A day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala complex a Hindu temple and property of King Bhoj, opposition leaders on Saturday sharply criticised the ruling, describing it as a step by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to advance what they called its 'Hindu agenda'. The verdict, which revoked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)'s 2003 order, granted the Hindu side exclusive worship rights at the site while dismissing petitions filed by the Muslim side and the Jain community.

Opposition Reactions

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy called the judgment 'unfortunate,' saying: 'The BJP governments all over the country are taking steps to fulfil their Hindu agenda. I do not support this. The Madhya Pradesh High Court... the courts have not been fair in this matter.' He further described it as 'a communal step by the BJP government.'

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha argued that religious disputes push the nation backwards. He pointed to the Places of Worship Act, 1991 — enacted to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and preserve its religious character — saying such disputes should not be recurring. 'The country needs an end to such issues,' Jha said, adding that problems of unemployment, income insecurity, and inequality remain sidelined in public discourse.

Congress Leaders Weigh In

Congress MP Imran Masood echoed the concern that contentious religious issues dominate national conversation at the expense of economic matters. 'Discussion on health, exams, unemployment, inflation, etc. won't be held. Only such things will be discussed,' he said.

Congress leader Hussain Dalwai called the decision 'completely wrong,' alleging that the Muslim community is being 'intentionally harassed.' He also alleged that Buddhist stupas and Jain temples have been demolished historically, and argued that the site should be left as it stands. 'Let the place remain as it is and make another temple, how does it make any difference,' he said.

A Dissenting Voice: SP Urges Restraint

Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Ashutosh Verma struck a notably different tone, cautioning against political commentary while avenues to the Supreme Court remain open. 'Many people will try to find a Hindu-Muslim angle in it, but my view is that as long as avenues to the Supreme Court are open, both parties can go there and present their case. Political reaction should be given only after the final verdict,' he said.

Background and Context

The Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has long been a contested site. The ASI's 2003 order had established a shared arrangement — Hindus were permitted to worship on Tuesdays and Muslims on Fridays. The High Court's ruling overturns that framework entirely, a development that critics argue could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country. This comes amid a broader national conversation about the Places of Worship Act, 1991, whose scope and enforceability have been repeatedly questioned in recent years.

The matter is expected to be taken to the Supreme Court, with the Muslim side yet to announce its next legal steps following the verdict.