Three Muslim MLAs from Haridwar district chose not to attend the ‘Deepotsav’ celebration at Har ki Pauri after the Ganga Sabha, the managing body of the holy ghats, strongly opposed their participation. The event, held on Monday in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, saw the absence of Congress MLAs Qazi Nizamuddin (Manglaur), Furqan Ahmed (Piran Kaliyar), and BSP MLA Mohammad Shahzad (Laksar).
The Ganga Sabha cited a clause from the Municipal Act of 1935, which prohibits the entry of non-Hindus into the Har ki Pauri area to maintain its sanctity as a sacred Hindu site. Nitin Gautam, the Sabha’s president, stated: “Har ki Pauri is a holy place for Hindus. This provision is still fully applicable, and inviting non-Hindus violates it.”
The Sabha reportedly warned the administration to ensure the MLAs did not attend and threatened to block their entry if they tried.
While the Ganga Sabha claimed credit for their absence, the MLAs offered alternative explanations. BSP MLA Mohammad Shahzad noted that such events often become “personal programs of the BJP,” adding: “The Ganga belongs to everyone. We have bathed at Har ki Pauri many times.”
Congress MLAs also cited personal commitments and involvement in Maharashtra assembly elections as reasons for not attending.
The Ganga Sabha’s stance has drawn attention, with Shahzad questioning the exclusivity of Har ki Pauri, saying no one stopped him from visiting in the past. However, Gautam responded: “If someone comes hiding their identity, what can we do? But if they reveal their identity, there will be consequences.”
The district administration has not commented on the matter, leaving the controversy unresolved.
