Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye has stirred controversy by questioning why mosques and dargahs have not provided visible relief to flood-affected families in the state. His remarks came as he praised several Hindu temples for what he described as large-scale and transparent contributions during the crisis.
Heavy rains have devastated parts of Maharashtra, including Marathwada, leaving thousands displaced and homes destroyed. In his social media post, Upadhye highlighted the aid extended by temples such as Tuljabhavani, Shegaon Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, and Siddhivinayak, which he said collectively contributed crores of rupees to relief efforts. He stressed that these religious institutions also reached families directly with food and essential supplies.
“The question is not of Hindu or Muslim, the question is of sensitivity,” Upadhye wrote, before asking why Muslim institutions had not stepped forward. He alleged that despite holding large funds, dargahs and mosques had not issued any public announcements of assistance, nor provided transparent details of relief.
Upadhye also attacked political figures whom he accused of mocking Hindu institutions while claiming allegiance to “Ganga-Jamuni culture.” He called on them to reflect on their positions in the face of the suffering caused by the floods.
Community leaders, however, point out that many local mosques and Muslim charitable groups often provide relief without publicity. Critics argue that Upadhye’s remarks risk deepening communal divides at a time when unity is needed to support disaster-hit families.
