Adina mosque or Adinath temple? Yusuf Pathan’s post sparks political row

Former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan’s recent visit to the Adina Mosque has triggered a major controversy, with the BJP claiming that the mosque was constructed on the site of the Adinath Temple.

In a post shared on social media, 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 between 1373 and 1375 CE, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent during its time, showcasing the region’s architectural grandeur.”

Soon after, the West Bengal BJP’s official X responded, saying, “Correction: Adinath Temple.”

Several users also reacted sharply to Pathan’s post, sharing photos of carvings and sculptures from the site. One wrote, “Dear Yusuf Pathan, you are standing in the campus of one of the largest Hindu temples, the Adinath Temple, which was desecrated and occupied by Islamic invaders. Attached are some images for your reference. It’s time to undo the injustice and restore the temple’s glory.”

Another user commented, “It’s a Hindu mandir turned into a mosque by the invaders.”

The post has drawn intense political and social debate, with both communities trading historical claims over the centuries-old structure.