Mumbai— Samajwadi Party leader and Mumbai MLA Abu Asim Azmi has once again found himself at the centre of political controversy after comparing the centuries-old Hindu pilgrimage Pandharpur Wari to the practice of offering Namaz on roads, reported the India Today.His comments drew strong condemnation from BJP leaders, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the Maharashtra government.
Azmi, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s earlier warning to revoke passports and driving licences of those offering Namaz on roads, questioned the double standards. “Many Hindu festivals are celebrated on the roads. But no Muslim complains. Yet, when a Muslim offers Namaz for ten minutes, there’s an outcry,” said Azmi.
He added, “While leaving Pune, I was told to hurry because the roads would be shut due to the Palkhi movement. But when it comes to Muslims, the rules change.”
This statement immediately triggered political reactions:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Azmi’s remarks as a bid for publicity, saying, “I don’t want to waste time reacting to such statements.”
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged Azmi was trying to create communal tension and demanded that his voting and electoral rights be revoked.
State Minister Nitesh Rane defended the Wari tradition strongly, warning, “No one should dare to comment on our Wari. We won’t tolerate this. If we questioned Haj tomorrow, would that be acceptable?”
Azmi, in response, said, “I haven’t said anything wrong. I respect Hindu festivals, but if Muslims offer Namaz on the road for lack of space, why is it seen as a crime?”
The controversy comes in the wake of Azmi’s previous statement in favour of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, which had also led to uproar and his suspension from the assembly.
Maharashtra Minorities Commission Chairman Pyare Khan condemned Azmi’s remarks as “irresponsible and divisive,” announcing plans to issue him a notice under Section 10. “If riots occur because of Azmi’s statement, a case will be filed against him at the nearest police station,” he warned.
Despite the political uproar, many voices within the Muslim community have pointed out the hypocrisy in targeting their religious practices while similar events by other communities go unquestioned. They stress that the issue is not about comparison but about ensuring equal treatment and respect for all religious traditions. Muslims across India have consistently demonstrated harmony by accommodating others’ beliefs and practices, often avoiding confrontation even when inconvenienced. At a time when India’s strength lies in its pluralism, calls for equitable space and mutual respect should be heard, not vilified. It is essential that conversations about public religious expressions foster unity, not division.
As the issue continues to escalate, it has reignited the larger debate around religious freedoms, public space usage, and communal sensitivities in India.
