‘Mosques and madrasas targeted’: Ashok Gehlot questions demolitions near Pakistan border, BJP cries security threats

JAISALMER: The ongoing 'Operation Clean' campaign to remove encroachments and illegal constructions in sensitive areas along the India-Pakistan international border has now become the subject of political controversy in Rajasthan.Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot raised questions over the drive through a social media post, seeking clarification from Union home minister Amit Shah regarding the campaign and its impact on border districts.Gehlot alleged that after Amit Shah's visit to Bikaner in May 2026, the government initiated a campaign in Rajasthan's border areas under the guise of removing encroachments, specifically identifying and demolishing religious sites associated with the Muslim community.

According to him, several decades-old historical religious structures have also been targeted.He claimed that the action appears to be politically motivated, aimed at creating polarization and weakening the social fabric of the otherwise peaceful border region. Gehlot emphasized that people of different faiths have lived harmoniously in these border districts for generations and that there has never been a history of communal tension in the area.

He noted that temples, mosques, shrines, and other places of worship have long coexisted, enjoying equal legal status and respect from all communities. Gehlot further stated that several mosques and dargahs in the region have traditionally been maintained by members of the Hindu community, describing local opposition to the alleged one-sided action as an example of the area's unique communal harmony and composite culture.Calling the drive "sensitive and concerning," Gehlot said it had generated significant resentment among local residents. He urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to clarify its position and immediately halt the ongoing action, stressing that maintaining peace, harmony, and security in border regions is also a constitutional responsibility.Referring to the history of the region, Gehlot said that during both the 1965 and 1971 wars, people of all faiths in the border areas stood united with the Indian Army and government against Pakistan.

He argued that selectively targeting mosques and madrasas under the directions of the Central Government was inappropriate and unnecessary, especially when many of these structures predate India's independence. He also claimed that local Hindu communities had opposed the action in several places.

BJP Leaders Defend the Drive

Meanwhile, during his visit to Jaisalmer on Sunday, former Rajasthan BJP president Arun Chaturvedi defended the government's actions, stating that safeguarding India's borders is not only the responsibility of the Army and the Border Security Force but also of every citizen.He said strengthening security arrangements in border areas is a matter of national interest and cannot be compromised. According to Chaturvedi, illegal constructions in border regions will not be tolerated, and the government will continue identifying and removing such structures.He stated that authorities are currently identifying unauthorized constructions in border districts, including Barmer and Jaisalmer.

Administrative agencies are taking action against such encroachments, and any structure found to be in violation of regulations will be removed, regardless of the individual or group involved.Responding to allegations that the campaign targets a particular community, Chaturvedi said the government's actions are based solely on legality and compliance with the law. He accused some political groups of attempting to give the issue a communal color, while the government is simply acting against illegal occupations and constructions.On border security, he highlighted challenges such as cross-border infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other anti-national activities, saying the government is strengthening security agencies to effectively tackle these threats.Chaturvedi also criticized the Congress party, alleging that it tends to politicize issues related to national security. He argued that political considerations should not overshadow matters involving soldiers' sacrifices and the nation's security.Speaking specifically about the anti-encroachment drive, Chaturvedi said that all 1.4 billion Indians are concerned about the security of the country's borders. He claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed action against illegal constructions within a 50-kilometer radius of the international border. The Border Security Force (BSF) and local police are conducting surveys, issuing notices, and removing identified illegal structures.He further accused Congress of repeatedly questioning the armed forces, citing its demands for evidence after military operations such as surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor. According to him, while opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies, Congress often ends up opposing national interests. He said border security remains a highly sensitive issue given concerns related to infiltration, arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking, and accused the opposition of engaging in vote-bank politics by opposing the government's actions.

Kailash Choudhary Backs Encroachment Removal

Former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary also supported the campaign, stating that only those involved in encroachments would face action."Those who have not encroached on government land have nothing to fear," he said.Choudhary maintained that removing illegal encroachments in border areas is the government's duty. He said the administration would continue taking action against any individual involved in suspicious activities or illegal construction.Referring to a religious structure near the border, he claimed that one such site is located only five kilometers from the border fence in a village with a population of barely 60 to 100 people, yet the complex is reportedly worth several crores of rupees. He questioned the nature of activities taking place in such locations and said the administration is investigating all such cases and taking necessary action wherever required.The controversy over 'Operation Clean' has thus emerged as a major political issue in Rajasthan's border districts, with the Congress alleging selective targeting of religious sites and the BJP insisting that the campaign is solely focused on national security and the removal of illegal constructions.