The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses serious concern over the fact that the District Court, Varanasi took an ill-considered decision to allow videography under its supervision within the premises of the Gyanvapi Mosque that has resulted in a situation which can be utilised by communal forces.
The Supreme Court has now intervened in the matter and the CPI(M) demands that the utmost caution be exercised and that no violation, in letter and spirit, of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 takes place. The Act came into existence precisely to ensure that such controversies over religious places are avoided and that efforts to change their existing character not be permitted.
[For CPI(M) Central Committee Office]