Jain temple demolition in Mumbai: Akhilesh Yadav, AICC see a pattern

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday voiced concern over the recent demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai, accusing the BJP governments of systematically targeting the peaceful Jain community across India.

He was responding to reports in a section of the media that a Jain temple has been demolished in Mumbai.

@Dev_Fadnavis आपके नेतृत्व में अतिअल्पसंख्यक जैन समाज को अद्भुद सौगत मिल रही है।
ध्यान रहे 'असहनी आघात पर दुर्बल की चीख द्रोपदी का शाप बन जाती है , जो सत्ता के मन में मदहोश हस्तिनापुर को श्मशान में बदल देती है।'#jain_temple_mumbai pic.twitter.com/hoCI0wBLdN

— Mahavir Jain ★ (@Mahavirjainji) April 17, 2025

Parshvnatha Jain Temple demolished near Railway Station, Vile Parle Mumbai
▪️ According to local Jain families the temple was demolished due to excessive bribe given by nearby Hotel owner.
▪️ Temple management is claiming that Temple was legal and moving to Court against BMC. pic.twitter.com/pFGjKO1Vqe

— Be Jain (@be_jain_india) April 16, 2025

In a post on X, Yadav addressed the Jain community directly, stating, "In today's times, being a minority in the country is becoming a curse. The fear, insecurity, and uncertainty currently prevailing among the Jain community is deeply concerning and has drawn worldwide attention and condemnation."

Highlighting a series of incidents, Yadav claimed these were part of an increasing pattern of aggression towards the community.

He referred to the violent attack on Jain monks in Singoli, Madhya Pradesh, a leaked audio clip from Jabalpur allegedly containing objectionable remarks against Jains by BJP members, and the demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai, where sacred idols, scriptures, and religious books were allegedly disrespected.

“I get very irritated with Jain people. Jains and Muslims are the same. In future, when the Kaliyug avatar comes, the opposition that will stand as Ravana will be from the Jain community.”

BJP leader from Jabalpur MP

Aur karo BJP ko support 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/gArPt9SbMu

— Mukesh (@mikejava85) April 17, 2025

Yadav questioned, "Why is it that wherever there is a BJP government, such incidents targeting Jain temples, pilgrimage sites, and institutions occur?"

Yadav alleged that BJP-backed elements have been eyeing not just Jain religious and public properties, but also their private assets.

Listing past incidents, he recalled the controversy around Shri Girnar Ji in Gujarat, the central government's interference at Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji, and the opposition to the installation of a Jain idol in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

He also referred to the 2022 killing of 65-year-old Bhawarlal Jain in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly at the hands of a powerful BJP supporter.

Yadav further alleged that the BJP views the Jain community only through the lens of donations and votes. "Does the BJP believe our importance lies only in giving donations? Who will protect our religion and community?" he asked.

"Rebuilding a temple cannot undo the insult caused to our idols, scriptures, and sentiments."

Praising the Jain philosophy of non-violence, co-existence, and compassion, Yadav said, "Jainism has long stood as a model of tolerance and morality, contributing immensely to India's culture, economy, and education."

He assured the community of support, saying the Jain community may be numerically small but is a part of the broader PDA (Pichhda-Dalit-Alpsankhyak) alliance representing 90 per cent of the population.

"These discouraging actions by those in power will not weaken the Jain community. We stand united with them in this difficult time."

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister ended his message with a sharp remark: "The Jain community must remember — BJP is loyal to no one."

In Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, the incident in Mumbai motivated a throng of silent protestors to take to the streets. The demonstrators also spotlighted a recent report of Jain monks in Madhya Pradesh's Naemuch being attacked.

The Jain community in Jodhpur staged a large-scale silent protest.

Atrocities against Jains are unchecked under the BJP government.

Cowardly attack on Jain monks in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch.

Under the BJP government, a Jain temple in Mumbai was demolished.

Every minority is… pic.twitter.com/EqKKpfrI8J

— India With Congress (@UWCforYouth) April 18, 2025

Meanwhile, from INDIA bloc ally the Congress, Rajesh Kumar Sethi, the national coordinator of the AICC’s minority department, has written to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis calling for justice and demanding an investigation of the BMC authorities' action.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sethi, National Coordinator of AICC Minority Department, has written to CM Devendra Fadnavis demanding justice over the demolition of a 30-year-old Jain temple in Vile Parle, Mumbai, and called for an investigation against BMC authorities.#jainmandir#jain pic.twitter.com/wH6HaC3yM5

— Pritesh Shah (@priteshshah_) April 18, 2025

In his letter, Sethi said, 'This temple was not merely a structure but a living testament to the Jain Dharma's values of ahimsa, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. Its ruthless destruction, executed with apparent disregard for the sentiments of thousands of worshippers, in an affront to Maharashtra’s secular ethos...'

'Shri Fadnavis Ji,' he warned, 'your administration's commitment to justice and the preservation of Maharashtra's diverse cultural fabric is under scrutiny... The pain of the Jain community is a wound on the soul of our state, and it demands your personal attention to heal.'

With PTI inputs