Monday witnessed fast-moving developments in the Gyanvapi mosque row. First, the survey of the mosque complex was completed. Then came reports that the Supreme Court would hear on Tuesday a plea from the mosque management against the order of a local civil court that gave the go-ahead for the survey.
But the biggest development of the day seems to be the claim that a 'Shivling' was found at a pond in the mosque complex. The claim was made by Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, the lawyer representing the Hindu petitioners who had sought access to pray at the shrine near the mosque all year-round. The site is currently open for prayers once an year.
Discovery of an idol, if proven, would strengthen claims of those who say the site was a temple.
“The pond, which is used for the Islamic 'Wuzu' or purification rituals, must be sealed, the petitioners requested the [civil] court. The court accepted the plea and ordered the Varanasi District Magistrate to ensure that the pond is not used, for now. The court also said the District Magistrate, the police chief and a top Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer would make sure no one entered the sealed area,” NDTV reported.
Not surprisingly, the district administration has not confirmed claims of the Shivling being found. However, The Times of India reported “The district administration is yet to receive a copy of of the court order but it has started preparations for sealing the pond and making alternative arrangements for Wazu [Wuzu] so that Muslims visiting the mosque for prayers do not face any problem.”
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya posted a cryptic tweet on the Gyanvapi issue. Maurya tweeted, “No matter how much you hide the 'truth', but one day it will come to the fore because 'truth is Shiva'. Glory to Baba Everywhere Shiva..” Maurya tweeted the hashtag #Gyanvapitruthnow.