BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma claims moon belongs to Sanatan Dharma
Muslim leader Abbas Hafeez criticised the remarks, calling them politically motivated and childish.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma claimed on Sunday that the moon belongs to Sanatan Dharma. Speaking to ANI, the three-time MLA said that Muslims celebrate Eid by observing what he described as a 'Sanatan' moon.
Sharma stated that the moon is associated with Lord Shankar because it resides on his forehead. He suggested that if Lord Shankar were to hide in a cave, the moon would disappear, making Eid celebrations impossible.
The MLA further said that the sun also belongs to them and that Sanatan Dharma will endure as long as the sun and moon rise over the earth.
Muslim leader Abbas Hafeez criticised the comments, describing them as foolish and politically motivated. Hafeez questioned if Muslims were now expected to seek permission from the BJP MLA or the government to celebrate Eid.
Hafeez suggested that the BJP should provide guidelines to its MLAs and rein them in. He added that Muslims do not require anyone's blessing or permission to follow the tradition of sighting the moon.
Hafeez concluded by stating that the moon is the same regardless of who claims it and that Muslims will continue to celebrate Eid as they always have.