New Delhi: In a bid to set at rest the controversy surrounding the Bhojshala-Kamaal Maula mosque in Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, the Centre has allowed Hindus to worship on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer Friday prayers.

While the Hindus would have free access to the site from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, Muslims would be provided access between 13:00 and 15:00 hours (IST) on Fridays for offering prayers, Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan told reporters on February 27.

He said that Hindus could also carry some flowers and rice as prayer offerings to the presiding deity Wagdevi or Goddess Sarawasti.

Jagmohan said he had written a letter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh in this respect and a formal notification would be issued after hearing from the state government.

"Considering the totality of circumstances, we have suggested this solution," he said, adding that since Bhojshala is an ASI-protected monument, it would be thrown open to public on other days with a nominal charge of Rs 1. There would be no charge for children upto 15 years.

Jagmohan said the Centre had also made it clear to the state government that the monument protection and the law and order situation were the responsibility of the state government.

Earlier, Digvijay Singh, confirming the receipt of the letter, said in Bhopal that Centre's proposal was modification of the state government's recommendations, suggesting that Hindus worship for two hours on Tuesdays and not carry any pooja material inside the shrine.

PTI