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In the video, BJP leader Mukhlal Pal said as a devout “Sanatani,” he is worshipping the mausoleum’s image because he was unable to visit the actual disputed site
News18
A video showing BJP’s Fatehpur district president performing ‘aarti’ before a photograph of a disputed mausoleum at his home has gone viral amid growing tensions in the area. The footage has sparked controversy on social media during Janmashtami celebrations.
In the video, BJP leader Mukhlal Pal said as a devout “Sanatani,” he is worshipping the mausoleum’s image because he was unable to visit the actual disputed site. He urged people to carry out rituals at home and clarified that he was not worshipping at the mausoleum itself.
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#फतेहपुर: वाह री राजनीति…कभी मकबरे को मंदिर बताकर भीड़ जुटाओ, कभी तस्वीर को ठाकुरद्वारा बताकर घर-घर पूजा कराओ, और फिर कहते हो कानून के रास्ते लड़ाई लड़ेंगे। लगता है अब राजनीति भी फोटोशॉप वाली भक्ति पर चल रही है! #FatehpurMaqbaraAttack #UPBJP #mukhlalpal pic.twitter.com/udjmUXXJV3— Ds Yadav (@dsnetwork18) August 16, 2025
The controversy comes after a violent incident on the night of August 11, when members of right-wing groups stormed the mausoleum in Fatehpur, damaging graves.
The unrest began after the Hindu group sent a letter on August 7 requesting permission to “clean and beautify” the mausoleum, claiming it was a temple. Despite permission being denied, a mob breached barricades, hoisted saffron flags, performed rituals, and vandalised graves. The damaged parts have since been repaired.
They claimed the site was originally a Hindu temple and demanded permission to perform prayers there. Following this, the police registered an FIR against 10 named and 150 unnamed individuals at the Fatehpur police station.
The issue was raised in the state assembly by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, who questioned why the BJP’s Fatehpur unit chief’s name was not included in the FIR.
Officials have said that Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has been asked to investigate and submit a report. Pant, along with Prayagraj Inspector General of Police Ajay Mishra, visited the site and met with the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to assess the situation.
Security has been tightened around the mausoleum amid plans by the Hindu group Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti to hold a ‘kirtan’ (devotional singing) there. Following the recent vandalism, police imposed prohibitory orders restricting residents from leaving their homes without valid reasons.
Over 300 police officers, two platoons of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, and Special Task Force teams have been deployed within a one-kilometre radius. The area is also under constant drone surveillance.
(With inputs from PTI)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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