Rajasthan: BJP hits back at Congress statement over bulldozer action against mosques, madrasas near India-Pakistan border

Jaisalmer: Bulldozer action to remove encroachments and demolish illegal structures is underway in the Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan, which border Pakistan. Political temperatures are rising over this drive, known as 'Operation Clean.' The demolition of mosques and madrasas in border areas—such as Nachna-Nokh in Jaisalmer and Ramsar and Sedwa in Barmer—has sparked both local reactions and political debate. The Congress party is targeting the BJP's Bhajanlal government over these actions, while BJP leader and former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary has hit back.

What Did Kailash Choudhary Say?

The BJP has adopted an aggressive stance in response to Congress's allegations. Former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary countered the criticism by citing national security concerns. Posing a pointed question, Choudhary asked, "Why were such massive mosques, costing crores of rupees, built right next to the India-Pakistan border—a place where only about 100 people reside?"

BJP's Stance: Action Taken in the Interest of National Security?

BJP leader Kailash Choudhary stated that any construction near the international border carried out without permission or in a suspicious manner cannot be tolerated. According to the party, this is not a communal action but a legal step against illegal encroachment in border areas—a move that Congress is unnecessarily trying to politicize.

Did Ashok Gehlot Criticize the Move?

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has questioned the state and central governments regarding this entire matter. Speaking via social media, Gehlot noted that communal harmony has prevailed along the international border with Pakistan in Rajasthan ever since independence. Regardless of the prevailing atmosphere in the rest of the country, communal tension never arose in this border region; here, both Hindu and Muslim communities deeply respect each other's religious sites. Gehlot stated that the Hindu community is also opposed to this unilateral action.

Recalling history, Gehlot noted that during the wars of 1965 and 1971, people of all faiths in the region stood united in support of the Indian Army and decisively defeated Pakistan. He alleged that, at the behest of the central government, selective action is being taken against these religious sites and madrasas—many of which date back to the pre-independence era—solely to create polarization and tension. The local Hindu community is also opposed to this unilateral move.

Did former Minister Harish Chaudhary also raise questions?

Earlier, senior Congress leader and former minister Harish Chaudhary had also questioned the timing and intent behind this action. He described the move to remove these structures from the border areas as part of the government's policy of appeasement and divisiveness.