A video circulated online on Sunday (24 March) depicted Muslim students offering Namaz inside a classroom at Polytechnic Government College in Maharashtra’s Solapur on 21 and 22 March, citing the month of Ramzan.
The Sahyadri Rights Forum initially shared the video highlighting the incident at Solapur’s Government Polytechnic College, where Muslim students were seen performing Namaz together during class. This religious activity within a state institution has raised significant concerns. The video was shared with tags to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Maharashtra Chief Minister, urging prompt attention to the matter by the authorities.
Reportedly, these students had initially requested permission to leave early to attend Ramzan prayers, but the college denied their request, citing standard rules applying to all students. Consequently, the students conducted their prayers inside the classroom without authorization.
Despite complaints from other students about the disturbance caused, the college administration took no action against those involved. This led to criticism from various quarters, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists, who threatened to retaliate by practising Hindu rituals in classrooms if the Namaz continued without repercussions.
Although the incident occurred two days before vacation, the authorities implemented no disciplinary measures. A faculty member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident and the college’s lack of action. Efforts to obtain comments from the college principal were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding public displays of Namaz, which has sparked controversies in various parts of Bharat. Recent instances, including one in Delhi’s Indralok area, have seen clashes between those offering Namaz and law enforcement officials, resulting in disciplinary actions such as suspensions.
Several Islamic leaders, including Syed Waseem Rizvi, chairman of the UP Shia Waqf Board, have emphasized the importance of respecting public spaces and obtaining permission before conducting religious activities. These sentiments echo those of adhering to local regulations and ensuring minimal disturbance to others.
