Mumbai, Feb 25 (NationPress) BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has reached out to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding stringent action following the emergence of a video that depicts municipal staff and local residents performing namaz within the premises of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation's electricity department office.

In a statement to IANS, Somaiya remarked, “It is unacceptable for namaz to be conducted openly inside a government office. A video capturing this incident has gone viral on social media.”

He added, “I have contacted municipal officials and communicated with Chief Minister Fadnavis, asserting that religious practices should not occur in government workplaces. Those responsible for this action must be held accountable, and an FIR should be filed by the police.”

This controversy arose after a video surfaced, showing namaz being offered in the electricity department office, igniting significant debate and political outcry.

Reports indicate that this incident is connected to ongoing electricity problems in one of Malegaon's wards. Local residents claimed that despite numerous complaints to the Municipal Corporation, their power supply issues remained unresolved.

To advocate for their demands, residents from the affected area, led by Lukman Kamal, president of the Malegaon Lok Sangharsh Samiti, organized a protest at the electricity department office. As the protest coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and the time for Asr prayers, the protesters chose to offer namaz collectively within the office grounds.

The video of the prayers being held inside a government facility quickly gained traction on social media, leading to heated discussions in the city. While some residents characterized the act as a peaceful protest, others criticized the appropriateness of holding religious ceremonies in a government setting.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane reacted, saying, “These madrasas are often centers for radicalization. There is no respect or proper education in them. If we had initiated a similar program in an Islamic nation to teach the Bhagavad Gita, would we have received permission?”

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar stated, “This is an unlawful act and violates the Constitution. I demand the immediate dismissal of the municipal corporation by the state government and urge strict action against those who orchestrated this namaz.”

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad commented, “Religion should not intermingle with governance. If you wish to pray, visit a mosque; please do not convert government offices into places of worship.”