Controversy Erupts Over Dimple Yadav’s Attire During Mosque Visit; Maulana Bareilvi Criticizes, BJP Hits Out at Akhilesh Yadav’s Silence

A major controversy has broken out following a recent meeting at a mosque in New Delhi, involving Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and his wife, MP Dimple Yadav. The row began after Maulana Shabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticized Dimple Yadav’s attire, claiming it was disrespectful and contrary to both Islamic and Indian culture.

Background of the Incident

The incident took place on July 24, when Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, Imam of the mosque located at Delhi’s Parliament Road, hosted a meeting attended by Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, and other party members. Photographs from the meeting show Dimple Yadav sitting beside her husband and other attendees, dressed in a saree, a traditional Indian outfit.

Allegations and Criticism

Maulana Bareilvi condemned both Dimple Yadav and Imam Mohibullah Nadvi for holding a political meeting inside the mosque. He asserted that mosques are sacred spaces and not appropriate venues for political gatherings. He further objected to Dimple Yadav not covering her head, alleging that her attire was not only against Islamic traditions but also at odds with Indian cultural values. He demanded an apology from both Dimple Yadav and the Imam.

Some religious leaders even went so far as to describe Dimple Yadav’s appearance as inappropriate for the mosque setting.

Political Backlash

The controversy quickly acquired political overtones, with the BJP’s minority wing launching a scathing attack, not just on the Imam but also on Akhilesh Yadav for his silence on the issue. BJP leaders accused Akhilesh of remaining silent because of his party’s vote-bank politics.

Support for Dimple Yadav

Contrary to the criticism, others have defended Dimple Yadav. Observers pointed out that she was wearing a saree—an outfit she is frequently seen in—and which is widely regarded as a symbol of Indian femininity and tradition. This prompted many to raise questions about the relevance and appropriateness of such criticism in a secular nation where personal choice of attire should not be grounds for public censure.

Congress leader Imran Masood also weighed in, condemning the statements targeting Dimple Yadav and calling the comments shameful, insisting that no religion permits the insult of women.

Key Questions and Public Reaction

The incident has raised broader questions: Should women be expected to dress a certain way in religious spaces, and does criticizing their attire amount to disrespect? Is it justifiable to question the decorum of a female MP based on her clothing, especially when it adheres to traditional Indian customs?

The episode has ignited a debate across social media and political circles, with many rallying in support of Dimple Yadav and expressing outrage at what they consider an affront to women’s dignity.

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