Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has raised strong objections to the proposed Muslim-only township in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, calling the move both “illegal and wrong.”
Speaking to ANI on Friday, Athawale said, “I believe this is the first time in the country that some builders have announced plans to build a separate township for the Muslim community, which is quite objectionable. The Maharashtra government has opposed this, and many people are also opposing it.”
Clarifying that his stance was not against Muslims, Athawale added, “This does not mean opposition to Muslims, but neither can such a township be announced for Hindus or Muslims. Announcing such a township is illegal and wrong. Legal action should be taken against those involved. This is our demand.”
The issue came to the forefront after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of a complaint filed by the Sahyadri Rights Forum NGO regarding the project.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the plan was “divisive,” warning it could set a dangerous precedent. “If separate settlements are being built for Muslims in Maharashtra, by creating fear that Muslims cannot live with Hindus, then this clearly reflects the implementation of the principle of ‘nation within a nation,’” he remarked. The NHRC has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report.
BJP leader Atul Bhatkhalkar also criticised the project, calling it unconstitutional. “Housing complexes are being built in Karjat and Kashimira, where homes will be given only to Muslims. This is against the Constitution, and there cannot be housing complexes for a particular caste or religion,” he said.
Bhatkhalkar confirmed that he has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding a probe. “I have demanded that the advertisement be pulled down, an inquiry be conducted into who is behind this attempt to divide society, and whether there is foreign funding involved,” he said.
The NHRC has stressed that it will closely monitor the case to ensure such practices are not encouraged.