Concern grows over structures linked with Muslim community in wake of notices, demolition in Uttar Pradesh
Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh are raising concerns over the demolition of century-old mosques, alleging the state government is targeting Muslim structures to polarize voters ahead of upcoming elections. The government maintains these actions are part of anti-encroachment drives.
Why it matters
The issue highlights growing communal tensions and the intersection of urban development policy with religious identity in Indian politics.
Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) expressed concern that targeting of mosques and structures linked to the Muslim community will intensify across the State in view of the upcoming Assembly election in a bid to polarise people.
The concern comes against the backdrop of the demolition of a century-old mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate complex on September 5 and authorities in Moradabad issuing notice recently to the management of the Mustafa Mosque, describing it as an “unauthorised construction”. The Moradabad Development Authority notice dated August 21, which came into focus on Tuesday, said the construction map of the mosque had not been approved.
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