BJP Minority Morcha seeks removal of Nadvi over ‘misuse’ of Parliament Street mosque

The BJP Minority Morcha has intensified its demand for the removal of Rampur’s Samajwadi Party MP and Imam of the Parliament Mosque, Mohibullah Nadvi, alleging misuse of the mosque for political activities and violations of religious and constitutional norms. A delegation led by Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and submitted a memorandum calling for Nadvi’s immediate dismissal and legal action.

Siddiqui accused Nadvi of converting the Parliament Street mosque, which falls under the Delhi Waqf Board, into a political space for the Samajwadi Party. He claimed that Nadvi had continued to function from the mosque as though it were his personal office even after becoming an MP. He further alleged that the Imam had prioritised political interests over religious responsibilities.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the CM about a political gathering allegedly held at the mosque on July 22. The event was reportedly attended by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, MP Dimple Yadav, MP Dharmendra Yadav and several party workers. Siddiqui claimed that refreshments were served in the mosque’s prayer hall during the meeting, which he described as a violation of Islamic practices.

Siddiqui also objected to the presence of women in the main prayer hall during the event, particularly pointing to Dimple Yadav’s participation. He stated that the mosque had a designated space for women on the upper floor and that her attire did not conform to mosque guidelines.

Calling the action a clear case of political misuse of a religious site, the Minority Morcha demanded Nadvi’s removal and the appointment of a new Imam through the Delhi Waqf Board. CM Gupta reportedly assured the delegation that an inquiry would be conducted and appropriate action taken.

The delegation included Minority Morcha national vice president SM Akram, former National Commission for Minorities vice-chairman Atif Rasheed and national executive members Dr Aslam and Faheem Saifi.

Jamal Siddiqui has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking Nadvi’s disqualification as an MP. He stated that Nadvi drew a monthly salary of Rs 18,000 from the Delhi Waqf Board in his capacity as Imam, which constituted an office of profit under Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution.

In the letter, Siddiqui argued that since the Imam’s position was funded by a statutory body under the Delhi Government and did not fall under the exemptions provided in the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, Nadvi stood in violation of the eligibility criteria for MPs.

He urged the Speaker to refer the matter to the Election Commission under Article 103 for an inquiry into whether Nadvi’s role qualifies as an office of profit and to initiate disqualification proceedings if required.

‘Hosted political gathering on June 22’

On July 22, SP MP and Imam Mohibullah Nadvi had allegedly hosted a political gathering at the Parliament Mosque, which he oversees. The event was reportedly attended by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, his wife and MP Dimple Yadav, MP Dharmendra Yadav, party workers and other senior leaders.

Refreshments were said to have been served inside the mosque’s main prayer hall — a practice BJP Minority Morcha president Jamal Siddiqui criticised as being contrary to Islamic principles. The presence of Dimple Yadav in the main prayer area also drew objections as it was seen as a violation of established mosque norms.