TMC MP Yusuf Faces Backlash for ‘Adina Mosque’ Post, BJP Calls It ‘Adinath Temple’

A seemingly innocuous social media post by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan has sparked a heated controversy in West Bengal, reigniting a debate over the historical and religious significance of the Adina Mosque in Malda. On Thursday, Pathan shared a post on X, praising the 14th-century mosque as a testament to the region’s architectural grandeur. However, his comments quickly drew backlash from social media users and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who claimed the mosque was built over a Hindu temple, escalating tensions in an already sensitive region.

In his post, Pathan wrote, "The Adina Mosque in Malda, West Bengal, is a historic mosque built in the 14th century by Sultan Sikandar Shah, the second ruler of the Ilyas Shahi dynasty. Constructed in 1373-1375 CE, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent during its time, showcasing the region's architectural grandeur." Accompanied by photos of Pathan at the site, the post aimed to highlight the monument’s historical significance. However, several social media users responded by alleging that the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple, citing historical references to support their claims. The BJP quickly seized on the issue, referring to the site as the “Adinath Temple” and accusing Pathan of ignoring its Hindu heritage.

The controversy is not new. Last year, the Adina Mosque made headlines when a group of Hindu priests, led by Hiranmoy Goswami, President of Vishwavidya Trust in Vrindavan, conducted Hindu rituals inside the mosque. Goswami claimed to have identified carvings of Hindu deities within the structure, asserting that the mosque was built over a temple. The group’s actions sparked outrage among locals, who alerted the police, leading to the intervention of authorities. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the site as a monument of national significance, filed a case against Goswami for conducting unauthorized religious activities. The incident prompted the temporary closure of the mosque, with the ASI installing CCTV cameras and establishing a police checkpost to prevent further disruptions.

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According to the ASI’s official records, the Adina Mosque, built in 1369 AD by Sikandar Shah of the Ilyas Shahi dynasty, is one of the most remarkable examples of Muslim architecture in Bengal. The mosque, which also houses the tomb of Sikandar Shah, was a symbol of the Bengal Sultanate’s power and influence during its time. Its intricate designs and massive scale made it the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent when it was constructed. However, claims about its construction over a Hindu temple have persisted, fueling debates about the site’s true historical origins. These claims remain contentious, as archaeological evidence supporting the presence of a pre-existing temple has not been conclusively documented by the ASI.

The BJP’s response to Pathan’s post has added a political dimension to the controversy. Party leaders have accused the TMC MP of promoting a narrative that overlooks the alleged Hindu history of the site. “The Adina Mosque, or rather the Adinath Temple, stands as a reminder of our heritage, which cannot be erased,” said a BJP spokesperson in a statement. The party’s use of the term “Adinath Temple” has further inflamed tensions, with TMC supporters defending Pathan and accusing the BJP of politicizing a historical monument for electoral gains. The debate has divided public opinion, with some calling for a thorough archaeological investigation to settle the matter, while others argue that the focus should remain on preserving the site’s historical and cultural value.

The Adina Mosque controversy is emblematic of broader tensions in India over religious sites with layered histories. Similar disputes, such as those surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, have fueled legal battles and communal debates for decades. In Malda, the issue has taken on added significance due to the region’s diverse religious demographics and its proximity to the upcoming state elections. Pathan, a first-time MP and a celebrated cricketer, has found himself at the center of this storm, with his post inadvertently reigniting a debate that touches on history, faith, and politics.

As the controversy unfolds, the ASI has reiterated its commitment to protecting the Adina Mosque as a monument of national importance. The agency has called for calm and urged the public to refrain from actions that could damage the site or disrupt communal harmony. Meanwhile, Pathan has not yet responded to the backlash, leaving many to wonder whether he will address the allegations or let the debate run its course. For now, the Adina Mosque remains a flashpoint, with its storied past continuing to shape the present.

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