AJMER/JAIPUR: Union minister for parliamentary and minority affairs Kiren Rijiju presented Saturday an embroidered chaddar on behalf of PM Narendra Modi at the dargah of 13th-century Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. The offering was part of the six-day annual Urs and marked the 11th consecutive year that Modi has maintained the tradition.
The gesture comes amid a lawsuit filed by Hindu Sena in an Ajmer court in Sept, claiming a Shiva temple predated the dargah – now a spiritual landmark for millions across faiths. The dargah committee, under the ministry of minority affairs, dismissed as baseless the claims that the dargah was built atop a temple.
An Ajmer court postponed Saturday the hearing of Hindu Sena’s application seeking to prevent the PM’s chaddar offering. The matter will now be heard on Jan 24, alongside the primary case.
Speaking at the Mehfil Khana, Rijiju read Modi’s message to devotees: “Throughout history, our saints, peers, fakirs and great spiritual leaders have illuminated lives with their altruistic values. Through his life and teachings, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti left an indelible mark of service, compassion, and humanity.”
The message emphasised harmony: “His teachings of love, unity, and harmony will continue to inspire generations to come. The occasion serves as a significant medium to strengthen bonds of community and solidarity among people.”
The PM’s gesture was interpreted by many in the Muslim community as a symbolic rejection of the lawsuit. “PM Modi has given a befitting reply to right-wing organisations intent on disrupting communal harmony. His message, along with the chaddar, reiterates his firm belief in Ajmer dargah and has been warmly received by the Khadim community,” said Syed Afshan Chishty, a Gaddi Nashin (priest) who offered prayers for PM Modi at the mausoleum.
A chaddar on behalf of defence minister Rajnath Singh will be offered Sunday at the dargah. Former dargah committee vice president Munavvar Khan will present the chaddar and read out the minister’s message, a BJP spokesperson said.