Ayodhya dispute: 'Expelled AIMPLB member Salman Nadvi demanded money for Mecca-like mosque'

Moulana Salman Hasni Nadvi, the executive member of the AIMPLB, was recently expelled for proposing the Ayodhya compromise formula.

Lucknow: Moulana Salman Hasni Nadvi, executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) who was expelled for proposing the Ayodhya compromise formula, has once again come under scanner for allegedly demanding money for building a Mecca-like mosque in the holy city.

Amarnath Mishra, the president of Ayodhya Sadbhavna Samnvyay Maha Samiti, has claimed that  Nadvi had demanded money, position and land for building another mosque in Ayodhya.

Mishra had reportedly met Nadvi on February 5 to discuss how the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi could be peacefully resolved.

It is during that meeting, Nadvi asked for money, Mishra alleged.

"I met Nadvi on February 5, we discussed the issue of Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi. He asked me to give a written proposal on the issue and I did the same, which was forwarded to everyone. He wanted to make another mosque like Mecca in Ayodhya, and for that, he asked for 200 acres of land, membership in the Rajya Sabha and Rs 1,000 crore," he claimed.

Nadvi, however, rejected Mishra's claims, saying that he didn't know him at all.

Nadvi, who has been accused of 'surrendering' to the right-wing Hindu outfit over the Ayodhya issue, even accused Mishra of spreading maintain tension between the two communities.

"Such people don't want a temple or a mosque to be built in Ayodhya. He is a devil and their only work is to create tension in the work of God. They are scared that Hindu and Muslim will be united. He knows that I am the only one who is raising this issue," Nadvi told ANI.

"We want to spread a message of peace and prosperity in the nation. I don't even know Mishra and his alleged deals," Nadvi added.

The fresh development comes days after AIMPLB removed Nadvi for supporting the construction of the Ram Temple on the land under dispute.

Earlier on February 9, Nadvi had spoken to media about his meeting with Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar where he extended support to the construction of Ram temple and said that their ''priority is to join hearts of people.''

He also hinted at an out-of-court settlement by saying, "The courts do not join people's heart as the verdict is always in favour of one and against the other." 

(With ANI inputs)