Brains are required even if someone wants to replicate others’ actions. And yes, as the title refers, the quote whole-heartedly is dedicated to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal, riding on Muslim appeasement politics, has announced the renovation of Jama Masjid. Interestingly, the decision came after witnessing the love bestowed upon PM Modi on the backdrop of the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Complex.
Kejriwal plans to renovate Jama Masjid
Kejriwal led Delhi government has reportedly stepped in with a decision to refurbish the area around the Jama Masjid and has appointed a consultant for formulating a detailed plan.
With the renovation, the government looks forward to turning the densely populated and congested area around the Mughal-era mosque into a pedestrian-friendly, free of encroachment and area with better infrastructure.
A PWD official reported, “As per the report prepared by the previous consultant, we know the key problem areas such as encroachment, lack of parking, haphazard traffic movement etc. The plan is to streamline traffic movement while creating space for safe pedestrian movement. Currently, we are just focusing on the area outside the precinct. So far, no decision has been taken regarding the redevelopment of the precinct.”
Apart from Jama Masjid, the consultant is also asked to prepare a plan for the second phase of Chandni Chowk redevelopment. In addition to that, the construction of a heritage corridor between Delhi Gate and Kashmere Gate will also be done.
A government spokesperson said, “This will be developed as a heritage area. The scope of work of the consultant involves the development of the Jama Masjid area, NetajiSubhashMarg as a heritage corridor, facade improvement and development of some internal roads of Chandni Chowk.”
Inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Complex
On December 13, PM Modi inaugurated his dream project – the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor. The project has dramatically uplifted the surroundings of the sacred shrine. After a long list of people who have contributed to keeping the soul of Kashi, arrived Prime Minister Modi, who went around the clock to resurrect the glory of Kashi, which holds a great significance to Hindus.
Read more: The story of how KashiVishwanathMandir was destroyed, restored and finally re-established
It is a well-known fact that Kashi Vishwanath has survived relentless attacks by Islamic invaders. First, in the 11th century, Qutb al-Din Aibak attacked it. It was demolished again during the rule of either Hussain Shah Sharqi (1447–1458) or Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517). The final assault on the Mandir was executed by Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb. In 1669 CE, Aurangzeb destroyed the Mandir out of sheer hatred for Hindu culture, and built the Gyanvapi Masjid in its place.
Read more: Soaked in Symbolism and Significance: PM Modi’s grand inauguration of the KashiVishwanath Complex
Thus, in retaliation against the atrocious actions of these Islamic invaders, PM Modi entered in the picture and revived the glory of Kashi.
The various facilities that have been built in the corridor include a Ganga-view cafe, a Mandir Chowk surrounded by emporium space on three floors, food courts, shops, spiritual bookstore, a VIP guest house, Mumukshu Bhawan, Vedic Kendra, Bhog Shaala, a tourist facilitation centre, three Yatri Suvidha Kendras, toilet blocks, and two museums — City Museum and Varanasi Gallery.
Kejriwal attempts at mimicking Modi’s style
Following the footprints of PM Modi, Kejriwal also announced the renovation of Jama Masjid. However, there is a difference in the intention, and Kejriwal is not smart enough to hide it.
While Modi Government inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Complex to maintain the glory of Kashi and Hinduism, Kejriwal has a political agenda behind his decision to renovate Jama Masjid. Nearing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Kejriwal aims at appeasing Muslims to grab the maximum vote share of the community.
Though Uttar Pradesh will always be an unfulfilled dream for AAP, Kejriwal’s attempt to encash the Muslim votes by renovating Jama Masjid in the state will end up polarizing the community’s votes. And, BJP will sweep the state with Hindu votes.