Bhopal: A heated political controversy has erupted after BJP MP Alok Sharma declared that Bhopal “does not belong to Muslims” while addressing a cultural event on Sunday. His statement has drawn sharp responses from the opposition and added to ongoing debates over the city’s history and identity.
Speaking at a Matki Phod programme in Karond Square, Sharma claimed Bhopal’s heritage is rooted in ancient Hindu rulers and Sanatan culture. He told the audience that the city belongs to figures like Raja Bhoj, Rani Kamlapati, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka, not to Muslims or the Nawabs who once ruled the region. His remarks follow earlier comments by BJP functionaries questioning the legacy of Bhopal’s Nawabs.
The Congress strongly condemned Sharma’s words. State party chief Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of promoting division for political gain. He said Bhopal belongs to all citizens and warned that leaders who undermine constitutional values are weakening the nation. Patwari described the BJP as anti-national and against the vision of Ambedkar and the rights of Dalits.
However, state minister Vishwas Sarang supported Sharma, arguing that past Muslim rulers had “captured” Bhopal and had no rightful claim over it. This reflects the BJP’s continued attempt to highlight Hindu rulers in its cultural narrative of the city.
The controversy has reignited tensions in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, raising concerns among Muslims and others about increasing communal rhetoric in political discourse.
