Lucknow, Apr 18 (PTI): Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday voiced concern over the recent demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai, accusing the BJP governments of systematically targeting the peaceful Jain community across India.
He was responding to reports in a section of the media that a Jain temple has been demolished in Mumbai.
In a post on X, Yadav addressed the Jain community directly, stating, "In today's times, being a minority in the country is becoming a curse. The fear, insecurity, and uncertainty currently prevailing among the Jain community is deeply concerning and has drawn worldwide attention and condemnation."
Highlighting a series of incidents, Yadav claimed these were part of an increasing pattern of aggression towards the community.
He referred to the violent attack on Jain monks in Singoli, Madhya Pradesh, a leaked audio clip from Jabalpur allegedly containing objectionable remarks against Jains by BJP members, and the demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai, where sacred idols, scriptures, and religious books were allegedly disrespected.
Yadav questioned, "Why is it that wherever there is a BJP government, such incidents targeting Jain temples, pilgrimage sites, and institutions occur?"
He alleged that BJP-backed elements have been eyeing not just Jain religious and public properties but also their private assets.
Listing past incidents, he recalled the controversy around Shri Girnar Ji in Gujarat, central government's interference at Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji, and the opposition to the installation of a Jain idol in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. He also referred to the 2022 killing of 65-year-old Bhawarlal Jain in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly at the hands of a powerful BJP supporter.
Yadav further alleged that the BJP views the Jain community only through the lens of donations and votes. "Does the BJP believe our importance lies only in giving donations? Who will protect our religion and community?" he asked.
"Rebuilding a temple cannot undo the insult caused to our idols, scriptures, and sentiments."
Praising the Jain philosophy of non-violence, co-existence, and compassion, Yadav said, "Jainism has long stood as a model of tolerance and morality, contributing immensely to India's culture, economy, and education."
He assured the community of support, saying the Jain community may be numerically small but is a part of the broader PDA (Pichhda-Dalit-Alpsankhyak) alliance representing 90 per cent of the population.
"These discouraging actions by those in power will not weaken the Jain community. We stand united with them in this difficult time."
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister ended his message with a sharp remark: "The Jain community must remember - BJP is loyal to no one."
प्रिय जैन समाज,
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) April 18, 2025
जय जिनेंद्र!
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New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court ruled that a Muslim man can marry more than once if he respects all of his wives equally and follows the standards outlined in Islamic law. The court, however, emphasized that the opportunity for polygamy is frequently abused by men for selfish purposes.
while hearing a petition filed by a man called Furkan to invalidate the chargesheet, cognisance, and summons issued against him by a Moradabad court, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deswal made the statement.
The case, which dates back to 2020, a woman filed a complaint alleging that Furkan had married her without disclosing that he was already married. She also accused him of rape. Based on her complaint, a case was registered at the Moradabad police station, and summons were issued to Furkan and two others.
Furkan’s counsel argued that the woman had acknowledged entering into a relationship with him before marriage and contended that the second marriage could not constitute an offence under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with bigamy as muslim men are allowed to marry more than once.
The High Court referring to the Shariat Act, 1937, noted in its 18-page judgement, that under Muslim personal law, a man may marry up to four times, subject to the condition that he treats all wives equally. The court said Furkan’s second marriage was valid as both women were Muslim.
Justice Deswal also expressed support for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, remarking that issues of marriage and divorce should be addressed in accordance with personal law until such a code is enacted. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on May 26.