Congress leader Udit Raj on Wednesday, 23 September sharply criticised the late-night demolition of portions of the Madina Mosque and adjoining structures in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, alleging that civic authorities selectively enforce anti-encroachment laws based on religious identity. His remarks follow a bulldozer operation on Max Hospital Road in Shalimar Bagh that civic bodies described as part of an anti-encroachment and road-widening exercise.

What Udit Raj Said

Addressing the demolition action against illegal extensions of the mosque, Raj said, 'Illegal construction in Delhi is continuous; it's a regular affair. Right now, thousands of illegal constructions must be going on, which happen through coordination between the police and the corporation. No one can stop it. But they can choose who to stop and who not to stop.'

He went further, arguing that religious identity determined the outcome: 'Yes, that (illegal construction) happens, but what's important here is that because it's a mosque and belongs to Muslims, it was stopped. Had it been a temple, it wouldn't have been stopped. There would be no one to stop it; they would say it's a matter of faith. Then it becomes a matter of faith, and nobody stops it.'

Raj concluded: 'In the eyes of the law, everyone should be equal, but that is simply not the case anymore.'

The Demolition Operation

The operation was conducted late at night along Max Hospital Road in Shalimar Bagh, with bulldozers and dumpers deployed alongside several municipal officials. A heavy security presence — comprising police and paramilitary personnel — was stationed at the site and on surrounding roads as the demolition work proceeded.

According to local residents, the action targeted portions of the approximately 30-year-old Madina Masjid, located in Shalimar village. Structures adjoining the mosque were also brought down during the operation.

Administration's Position

Authorities have maintained that the structures removed were illegal encroachments on public land. Officials stated the drive was part of an approved road-widening project aimed at eliminating structural bottlenecks and improving traffic flow along the stretch — framing it as routine civic enforcement rather than a targeted action.

Broader Context

The demolition draws attention to a pattern of contentious bulldozer actions that have repeatedly sparked political and legal debate across Indian cities in recent years. Critics argue, as Raj did, that such drives disproportionately target minority-community properties, while authorities consistently maintain they are applying standard encroachment rules. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have previously issued guidelines cautioning against demolitions without due process. This incident is likely to add fresh fuel to that ongoing national conversation about equal application of law.