UP: Muslim community panchayat in Mathura bans DJs, fireworks at weddings, curbs extravagance
Mathura (UP) (PTI): A Muslim community panchayat in Mathura district has taken a unique decision to curb extravagance and unnecessary rituals during weddings, imposing a fine of Rs 11,000 and social boycott on families found violating the norms, community leaders said on Monday.
The decision was taken unanimously at a panchayat organised by the Eidgah Committee in Kosi Kalan town on Friday. The meeting was held at a sarai in the Nikasa locality.
Committee president Moinuddin Gadsania and vice-president Haji Sadiq said the panchayat resolved that no Muslim family would organise a nikah ceremony at hotels, guest houses or marriage halls. The nikah will be solemnised only in mosques, while the walima (post-marriage feast) may be held at hotels or other venues.
They said the use of DJs during weddings has been completely banned. If the rule is violated, no imam or qazi in the town will perform the nikah ceremony.
The practice of presenting gifts or cash to the groom as part of the 'salami' ritual has also been prohibited. Other forms of ostentation, including fireworks and wasteful customs, have similarly been barred.
The ban on DJs will apply even if a wedding procession travels to another town, the panchayat clarified. Members said loud music and dancing at weddings often lead to disputes, disturbing social harmony and unity.
The panchayat further decided that violators of the rules would face a fine of Rs 11,000 along with social boycott. The committee said it would also try to implement similar decisions in other villages and communities.
Community elders said the objective of the decision was to check rising wedding expenses, curb social evils, prevent disputes during marriage functions and reduce the financial burden on families, especially the younger generation.
A large number of prominent community members, including the committee secretary, Mehraraj Qureshi, were present at the panchayat.
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BJP-JD(S) like milk-honey, alliance strong, intact: Karnataka LoP R Ashoka
Udupi: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Sunday said the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) remains strong and intact, and that no one should attempt to create differences between the two parties.
Speaking at a press conference held at a resort in Kapu, Ashoka described the BJP–JD(S) partnership as being “like milk and honey” and said the two parties would contest upcoming elections as directed by their central leadership. He said decisions on the future course of the alliance would be taken by senior leaders, including H. D. Kumaraswamy, H. D. Deve Gowda, and top leaders of the BJP.
Responding to questions on differing statements made by BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra and Deve Gowda on contesting future elections, Ashoka said the BJP and JD(S) are partners within the NDA and that the alliance has already been announced at the national level by the party leadership, including the Prime Minister. He said there is currently no disagreement between the two parties and that the coordination with JD(S) would continue, just as it did successfully during the Lok Sabha elections.
Ashoka made it clear that the BJP is not attempting to bring down the present state government. “We are not in a mindset to topple the government. We have already seen the consequences of such actions once,” he said.
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He further claimed that if Assembly elections are held, the BJP–JD(S) alliance would secure more than 170 seats in Karnataka, similar to the strong mandates seen in states like Telangana and Bihar.
When asked about Deve Gowda’s statement that the JD(S) may contest local body elections independently, Ashoka said Deve Gowda is a senior leader whose words carry weight, but stressed that the final decision would be taken by the NDA coordination committee. “Whatever opinions are expressed, the coordination committee’s decision will be final,” he said.
On Vijayendra’s earlier remark about the BJP winning 140 seats on its own strength, Ashoka said the state president had already clarified that the statement reflected the sentiments of party workers and not an official position. “The decision to go together is a collective one,” he added.
Ashoka also addressed questions about the BJP state president’s post, saying the party follows a democratic process with organisational elections held every three years. He said Vijayendra was nominated by the central leadership and that the decision to continue or replace him rests with the national leadership. “There is no confusion on this issue. The decision will be taken by the party high command after January,” he said.
The press conference was attended by Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former MLA Lalaji Mendon, and BJP leaders Kutyaru Naveen Shetty, Reshma Uday Shetty, Kalya Divakar Shetty, Srikant Naik and others.
