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BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya apologises amid uproar over Mosque protest in Jaipur

A protest led by BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya against the Pahalgam terror attack escalated into a communal flashpoint outside Jaipur’s Jama Masjid, sparked outrage after alleged controversial slogans outside mosque, while Acharya apologised and called for unity, Muslim leaders condemned the timing and manner of the protest, an FIR was filed against the MLA for hurting religious sentiments

On the evening of April 25 (Friday), Jaipur’s historic Chardiwari area became the epicentre of a political and communal storm. BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya led a protest outside the Jama Masjid, condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. What began as a demonstration against terrorism quickly escalated into a significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

On Friday night around 8:30 PM, Acharya, accompanied by BJP leaders and supporters, marched to the Jama Masjid from an ‘Akrosh Sabha’ held at Badi Chaupar. The protesters raised slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Pakistan Murdabad,’ and displayed saffron flags and torches. Allegedly, some individuals entered the mosque premises, pasted posters reading ‘Pakistan Murdabad,’ and raised offensive slogans. Eyewitnesses reported that Acharya entered the mosque wearing shoes, a gesture considered highly disrespectful in Islamic tradition.

The protest led to heightened communal tensions, with a large number of people gathering to protest against the MLA’s actions.

According to reports, Congress MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi, along with Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, arrived at the scene to control the situation. Despite their efforts, the unrest continued to simmer.

After controversy, BJP MLA issued apology, urged for stay united against terrorism

In the face of mounting backlash, Acharya issued a video statement on Saturday, April 26, 2025, expressing regret over the incident. He stated, “If anyone’s sentiments were hurt due to the posters or my words, I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to hurt any community or religion. At this time, unity among all of us is very important.” He emphasised that India functions according to the Constitution, where every citizen has the right to respect their religious sentiments.

Acharya further appealed for calm, urging people to stay united and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to combat terrorism and respond strongly to Pakistan. However, his apology did little to quell the growing discontent among the Muslim community and political opponents.

Moreover, BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya has also called for an end to the speculation surrounding a proposed bandh in Jaipur. In a message posted from his official X handle, he wrote that, “Many rumours are being spread about a Jaipur bandh tomorrow. I want to make it very clear — there should be no bandh.”

Expressing gratitude for the public’s support, Acharya further added, “The love and trust I have received from you is a matter of great pride for me. However, I do not want you to harm your businesses. We must continue our work, keep the markets open, and remain united.”

FIR filed against MLA for hurting religious sentiments

After the incident, the Jama Masjid Committee lodged a complaint against Acharya, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The charges included sections 298 (Injuring or defiling a place of worship), 300, (Disturbing religious assembly), 302 (Uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings) and 351(3) (Criminal intimidation).

The police investigation was transferred to the CID-Crime Branch, the nodal agency for probing cases involving public representatives. As communal tensions spread across the city, a heavy police force was deployed at the Jama Masjid to maintain law and order. Nearly all shops in the market were closed, and the police conducted a flag march on the main road of Johari Bazaar. Contingents of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) and Special Task Force (STF) were also deployed in sensitive areas of the state capital.

Members of the Muslim community staged a counter-protest near Badi Chaupad

The incident sparked widespread outrage among the Muslim community. After evening prayers, a crowd of restive youths gathered outside the mosque in Johari Bazaar, raising slogans demanding Acharya’s immediate arrest. The police used mild force to disperse the crowd, but the situation remained tense.

In response, members of the Muslim community staged a counter-protest near Badi Chaupad, adjacent to Jaipur’s famous landmark, the Hawa Mahal. They raised slogans and displayed posters of their own. A brief altercation between the two groups followed, leading to the registration of an FIR against Acharya at Manak Chowk police station. The FIR accused him of inciting religious sentiments and disrupting social harmony.

The Indian Express reported that, MLA Rafiq Khan said, “We have no objection to slogans like ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ or ‘Terrorism Murdabad.’ We too oppose terrorism. But the BJP MLA deliberately tried to provoke religious sentiments under the pretext of the protest.”

Muslim leaders hold press meet over Jama Masjid incident

Following the incident, a press conference was held on Saturday (April 26) at the Jama Masjid in Johari Bazaar, Jaipur, prominent Muslim leaders were present at the meet, including MLAs Amin Kagzi and Rafiq Khan, Rajasthan Waqf Board Chairman Khan U Khan Budhawali, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s state president Mohammad Najimuddin.

State president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mohammad Najimuddin, began by condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. However, he also levelled serious allegations against MLA Balmukund Acharya, claiming that Acharya and his supporters raised provocative and objectionable slogans both inside and outside the mosque during Friday prayers—a time considered highly sacred in Islam, as per a report in the Dainik Bhaskar.

Community leaders give administration a two-day ultimatum

Najimuddin revealed that the Police Commissioner had assured them of action. However, he added that the community had issued an ultimatum to the administration—demanding action against Acharya by April 27 or 28. He stated that they would meet the Police Commissioner again on April 29, and if no concrete steps were taken, a mass agitation would be launched.

“What kind of MLA behaves like this?” he asked, alleging that Acharya does nothing but provoke religious sentiments. “A person like him does not deserve to remain an elected representative,” Najimuddin asserted, as reported

No Muslim supports Pakistan, we will always chant ‘Pakistan Murdabad’: Congress MLA Amin Kagzi

According to the Dainik Bhaskar, local Congress MLA Amin Kagzi addressed another emerging narrative—accusations that Muslims objected to the anti-Pakistan slogans. Kagzi firmly dispelled these rumours, stated that, “There is a misconception being spread about the ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ slogans raised outside the mosque. Neither I, nor the Muslim community here, have any sympathy for Pakistan. We will always chant ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ when the situation demands it.”

He went on to accuse Acharya of forcefully entering the mosque, putting up posters, and creating a disruptive atmosphere. Kagzi said Muslim leaders had already met with the Police Commissioner and given the administration a two-day deadline to act on the community’s demands.

 “Pakistan Murdabad Then, Now and Forever”, said MLA Rafiq Khan

Echoing similar sentiments, MLA Rafiq Khan stated that the entire country is grieving the tragedy that unfolded in Pahalgam. Referring to the recent all-party meeting, he said that all parties agreed to support the government in responding to the attack—so why, he asked, was Acharya trying to politicise the issue?

“Pakistan Murdabad was, is, and always will be our slogan,” Khan declared. “Today, we are standing with posters that say ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ right inside the mosque. We are not upset about the posters. What we condemn is the act of entering a mosque during prayer and shouting slogans. That was disrespectful” he said, reported Bhaskar

He alleged that Acharya was deliberately trying to disrupt communal peace in the city, adding that the BJP MLA has repeatedly violated the law, yet no action has been taken against him. Khan warned that the community would take to the streets if no action was taken within the next two days.

What lies ahead: peace or protest?

The situation in Jaipur remains tense. Muslim leaders have so far shown restraint, opting for legal routes and official communication with law enforcement. But the community’s patience seems to be wearing thin. With deadlines issued and the promise of protests looming large, it remains to be seen whether the administration will act against Balmukund Acharya—or risk further communal unrest in Rajasthan’s capital.

Political fallout: BJP leadership distances itself

The controversy drew criticism from within the BJP as well. According to reports, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and senior party leaders were unhappy with Acharya’s actions, especially given the sensitive environment. State BJP President Madan Rathore reportedly called Acharya to express his disapproval. Following the conversation, Acharya assured the leadership that he would exercise greater caution in the future and avoid similar incidents.

Previous controversies: a pattern of provocative actions

This incident is not the first time Acharya has found himself at the centre of controversy. Earlier, he had campaigned against the consumption of meat, the use of loudspeakers by mosques, and the wearing of hijabs by girls in schools. He also demanded the removal of Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees from Jaipur. These actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, with opponents accusing him of stoking communal tensions for political gain.

In one notable incident, Acharya was accused of trespassing and inappropriate behaviour at a Shia religious site in Jaipur’s Bada Badanpura area. Community leaders urged swift action, citing threats to communal harmony and complaints about police inaction as troubling factors.

The road ahead: nurturing communal harmony

The events of May 2 have laid bare the fragility of communal relations in Jaipur. Though Acharya’s apology may have been intended to calm tensions, the strain it placed on inter-community trust is hard to ignore. While the courts will eventually determine legal accountability, the deeper task lies in mending the city’s social fabric.

Leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities have stepped forward, calling for honest dialogue, mutual respect, and a reaffirmation of shared values. They remind us that India’s strength lies in its commitment to unity in diversity, and that upholding constitutional ideals must remain a common purpose.

The protest outside the Jama Masjid—and everything that followed—highlights how easily words and actions can shape, and sometimes shake, the delicate balance of communal life. Political leaders, in particular, must tread carefully, knowing their influence carries real weight in such moments.

As Jaipur looks to move forward, the path must be one of listening, empathy, and rebuilding trust—step by step, neighbour by neighbour.

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