BJP govt demolishes mosque in Bihar

PATNA: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has demolished a mosque in Bihar state of India.

The mosque was partly demolished by the BJP administration in Sitamarhi district of the state, prompting concern among members of the Muslim community and condemnation from opposition parties.

The action took place in Bairgania market area, where officials used bulldozers to remove what they claim unauthorised construction on government land. The BJP administration claimed that parts of the mosque complex had been built illegally on land meant for a government hospital.

An officer associated with the operation said, “This was a routine administrative action. The structure was found to be on government land. The same rules apply to everyone.”

However, members of the Muslim community have expressed anxiety over the demolition. Locals say the mosque had existed for years and that the action has caused distress.

A community representative in Sitamarhi said, “If there was an issue about land, it should have been resolved through dialogue and proper legal process. Demolishing a religious structure creates fear among people.”

Another resident said, “We are worried that similar action may now be taken against other mosques, madrasas and graveyards.”

Opposition parties have criticised the action and said that it reflects a broader pattern seen in several BJP-ruled states.

A state-level opposition leader said, “We have seen bulldozer action in BJP ruled Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. Now Bihar seems to be following the same model. Religious places must not become targets of political messaging.”

Human rights groups have also raised questions in past cases across different states, arguing that demolitions must strictly follow due process and not appear selective.