New Delhi: While the controversy over Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi & Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura continue to dominate the national discourse, senior BJP leader & former minister in Karnataka government has vowed to reclaim all the 36,000 temples that were razed by Muslim tyrants to erect mosques.

He said that more than 3600 temples have been demolished across the country and were replaced with mosques.

“Let them build mosques elsewhere and offer namaz, but we cannot allow them to build masjids over our temples. All the 36000 temples will be reclaimed by Hindus legally,” ANI quoted Eshwarappa.

The former minister had to exit Karnataka cabinet after corruption allegations against him created storm.

Vow to reclaim temples amid Mangaluru mosque dispute

Eshwarappa’s pledge to reclaim temples comes in the backdrop of discovery of Hindu temple like architectural design found underneath the mosque on the outskirts of Mangaluru.

As the claims of ‘temple beneath mosque’ surfaced on social media, it created a huge furore and added fresh impetus to the ongoing row over Gyanvapi mosque.

Many claimed that there existed a temple before and it was demolished before the mosque was built on its ruins. Vishwa Hindu Parishad also appealed to district administration to take ‘corrective steps’. Anticipating communal flare up, the administration has put in place tight security around the structure.

The Mandir-masjid row is also a burning issue in Telangana. Days ago, state BJP chief Bandi Sanjay challenged AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi to excavate all mosques in the state to check if torn Hindu deities are found below them.

“Wherever mosque premises are excavated, Shivalingas are found. I’m challenging Owaisi that we will dig all mosques in the State. If dead bodies are recovered, you (Muslims) claim it. If Shiva (Shivalinga) is found, hand it over to us. Will you accept it?,” Telangana BJP chief said.