“No Place of Worship Should Be Demolished”: Hindu Priest Backs Protection of Century Old Race Course Mosque in Delhi
Keshav Raj Shastri calls for religious harmony as concerns grow over the future of the historic mosque, which has reportedly been without water and electricity for more than a week.
New Delhi: Amid concerns over the possible demolition or eviction of a nearly century old mosque in New Delhi, a Hindu priest has voiced support for its protection, offering a message of religious harmony and mutual respect.
Keshav Raj Shastri, who has served at a nearby temple for the past 15 years, has openly opposed the demolition of any place of worship, whether a mosque or a temple. Speaking to the media, he said that all places of worship are sacred and deserve respect, regardless of religious affiliation.
Temple Priest and Mosque Imam Share a Longstanding Friendship
Shastri described Maulana Mohammad Haroon, the imam of the historic Race Course Mosque, as a close and longtime friend. He said the two regularly meet and spend hours talking, adding that the area has not experienced communal tension or religious hostility.
The priest also revealed that electricity to his temple had been disconnected during the administrative action. However, officials assured him that the temple would not be demolished and that no notice had been issued against it.
Shastri continues to perform his regular religious duties with his family of four. In contrast, the historic mosque has reportedly been without water and electricity for more than a week, raising concerns among worshippers and members of the local Muslim community.
Historic Mosque Faces Uncertainty
The mosque is located within the 53 acre Delhi Race Course Club complex, near the Prime Minister’s official residence.
The historic structure was formally notified as a Grade II heritage building in 2009 and is listed in the records of the Delhi Waqf Board. The mosque can accommodate approximately 800 worshippers at a time for congregational prayers.
The dispute has intensified following prolonged legal proceedings. The central government has informed the Delhi High Court that it is taking control of the club and surrounding land on national security grounds.
The move has raised questions about the future of the mosque, with worshippers concerned about the possibility of displacement or demolition.
Emotional Friday Prayers Amid Uncertainty
On Friday, October 23, Maulana Mohammad Haroon led congregational prayers at the mosque amid an emotionally charged atmosphere.
During the prayers, the imam reportedly became tearful while making supplications and urged worshippers to remain patient and steadfast during the difficult period.
Although no formal written demolition order has reportedly been issued by the authorities, the interruption of essential services has heightened anxiety among worshippers and local residents.
A Message of Religious Harmony
The Hindu priest’s public support for the mosque has highlighted the importance of coexistence and mutual respect between religious communities.
As uncertainty continues over the future of the historic structure, the situation has drawn attention to the need to protect places of worship, preserve heritage buildings and address administrative disputes through lawful and transparent processes.
For local worshippers, the immediate concern remains the restoration of basic facilities and clarity from the authorities about the mosque’s future.