New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has erupted after BJP leaders criticised Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav for allegedly violating mosque norms during a recent visit. Dimple, who was seen without a headscarf (dupatta) and wearing a blouse, was accused by BJP Minority Morcha chief Jamal Siddiqui of dressing inappropriately inside a place of worship.

“She was not dressed according to mosque traditions. Her head wasn’t covered, and she wore a blouse, which is not suitable inside a mosque,” Siddiqui said while speaking to India Today, further remarking, “This may be acceptable outside, but not where Allah is worshipped.”

Siddiqui also objected to the fact that both men and women were seen sitting together, saying, “The mosque is not a place for tea breaks. It’s a sacred space, not a party office.”

Allegations against Imam and SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi

Jamal Siddiqui strongly condemned SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi, who also serves as the Imam of the Parliament Street Mosque, for allegedly turning the mosque into a political venue. He claimed Nadvi continues to use the mosque to serve party interests.

“You can see many SP MPs from the SP President. Rampur MP Mohibullah Nadvi is also present among them. Mohibullah Nadvi used to do the Imam's prayer in this mosque. But he is not ready to leave the mosque. Today it has crossed all limits! He made the mosque his party's office. We strongly condemn this,” Siddiqui stated.

The BJP Minority Morcha has announced a protest after Friday prayers on July 25, calling for Nadvi’s removal and stricter rules to prevent political misuse of religious spaces.

BJP slams Akhilesh Yadav for politicising religion

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak escalated the issue, branding the SP as “Namaazwadi” and accusing party chief Akhilesh Yadav of not respecting the Constitution.

"The Indian Constitution states that religious places cannot be used for political purposes. They do not have faith in the Constitution. 'Woh hamesha Namaazwadi bane rehte hai' and that is what he is doing,” Pathak told ANI.

SP hits back: “Do we need BJP’s permission to pray?”

Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai responded sharply, questioning BJP’s moral authority, “Do we have to take a license from BJP to visit temples and mosques now? Should we make BJP's photos viral? They don't speak about the videos and photos of their leaders coming in from the streets”

Akhilesh Yadav also fired back, defending the visit and calling out the BJP’s divisive politics, “Faith connects...However, the BJP wants people to stay divided, not united. We have faith in all faiths...BJP's tool is religion,” he said.