Keeping formula under wraps was masterstroke

Bhojshala: Dhar administration's move to keep saffron brigade guessing on arrangements for Muslim prayers emerged as a masterstroke to douse communal fires. Officials held separate dialogues with representatives of both communities, took into confidence factions within communities and ensured namaaz and puja were held without a flare-up.
Indore divisional commissioner, Sanjay Dubey said, "Arrangement were made at multiple levels.Talks with representatives of both communities and making last-minute changes helped in enforcing ASI orders to hold simultaneous prayers."
While Hindus remained in the dark till eleventh hour about administration's plan on allowing them to hold uninterrupted prayers, Muslims were quietly assured they would be allowed to offer namaaz. Amid compromises, settlements and high-voltage political drama, the administration kept its cards close to its chest to pave way for a peaceful Basant Panchami.
Shehar Qazi Waqar Sadik said, "Hundreds from the community wanted to offer Friday namaaz at the shrine, but we accepted the government's proposal to settle for a smaller number of namaazis to maintain harmony. We are grateful to administration for ensuring peaceful namaaz at Bhojshala. I could not offer namaaz owing to health reasons."
While parleys were being held with Muslim leaders, administration kept it ambiguous with the saffron brigade about their plan. Hindus were not stopped from entering the shrine since morning or holding yagnas outside the complex.
However, when talks marked the entry of Hindus into the shrine, it was already afternoon and namaaz was over by then. Patron of Bhoj Utsav Samiti Ashok Jain said, "Due to the ambiguity, we decided to hold prayers outside. But, when people joined the rally in large numbers, officials opened dialogue with us and made arrangement for our entry. We are satisfied that we were able to offer uninterrupted prayers inside and outside Bhojshala."
Over last couple of days, minister in-charge of Dhar district, Narottam Mishra and BJP state organising secretary Arvind Menon held opened channels with saffron hardliners and local administration and this helped in calming communal tension.