Bhopal: MLA Rameshwar Sharma Reacts to MP High Court Verdict on Bhojshala? Tight security in Indore, Dhar
Bhopal: Welcoming the MP High Court's verdict recognizing the Bhojshala in Dhar as the Temple of Vagdevi (Goddess of Learning), Rameshwar Sharma—BJP MLA from the Huzur constituency in Bhopal and former Pro-tem Speaker—has termed it a "victory for truth and Sanatan."
In a released statement, Sharma asserted, "Truth can never be defeated; this has been proven once again today." He noted that India's Sanatan Hindu Dharma has faced relentless attacks—temples were demolished, the Vedas and Puranas were burned, and the blood of millions of Hindus was shed—yet the Hindu community continued to struggle steadfastly for the sake of its culture and religion.
He further stated that the Sanatan community waged a long battle for the Bhojshala in Dhar while maintaining its faith in the judiciary. Today, through the court's verdict, truth has triumphed.
Paying homage to the "millions of martyred Hindus" who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Sanatan Dharma, MLA Sharma declared that this marks a victory for Sanatan. He expressed hope that the Muslim community, too, would accept the truth and extend a hand of friendship toward the Hindu community by returning the temples that were demolished by Mughal rulers.
Tight security in Indore, Dhar after HC verdict
Earlier, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court recognized the Bhojshala in Dhar as the Vagdevi Temple. The two-member bench delivered this verdict following the conclusion of hearings on five petitions and three intervention applications pertaining to this long-standing dispute.
The court also quashed the ASI's 2003 order, in which the ASI had denied Hindus the right to worship at Bhojshala. It also set aside the order granting Muslims the right to offer Namaz.
In light of the verdict, the district administrations of both Dhar and Indore have been placed on high alert. Security arrangements have been further tightened, particularly given that it is Friday—the day on which Juma (Friday) prayers are also offered within the Bhojshala complex.
Dhar Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma visited the Bhojshala complex to inspect the security arrangements. The administration has appealed to both parties to maintain peace and refrain from sharing unverified information.
Meanwhile, approximately 1,200 police personnel from across the district have been summoned to Dhar. The city's security has been organized into multiple layers, and units of the Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Force have also been deployed. The police also conducted a flag march through the city.
Asserting that the Bhojshala is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and a center of learning, the Hindu side cited the ASI survey, inscriptions, architectural remains, and historical worship traditions as evidence. Conversely, the Muslim side identified the site as the Kamal Maula Mosque complex, arguing that the authority to determine its religious character lies with the civil courts. Since 2003, the Hindu community has been permitted to offer prayers at the site every Tuesday and on *Vasant Panchami*, while the Muslim community has been permitted to offer *Namaz* every Friday.