Tight security arrangements are in place at Bhojshala in Dhar district in view of Basant Panchami falling on Friday, a day when Muslims also offer namaz at the monument.
The district administration has earmarked the period from dawn to noon for the puja whereas namaz may be offered from 13:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs. Puja may be restarted from 15:30 hrs and continued till sunset.
A day ahead of the Hindu festival, police today staged a mock drill as part of their preparedness to face any situation at the Bhojshala tomorrow.
The controversial site here has been virtually turned into a fortress with MP police commandos in black uniform keeping a hawk's eye at the structure.
Nearly 6,000 security personnel, including 10 companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be deployed at Bhojshala tomorrow to ensure that the Hindus and the Muslims perform prayers at different times as directed by the ASI, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Hingkar told media persons.
He said that about 1,000 policemen are already manning the site. Besides, 140 CCTV cameras will be installed and two drone cameras will be put to use, he added.
MP Home Minister Babulal Gaur said the Government would ensure peaceful celebration of Basant Panchami tomorrow.
"All preparations have been made to ensure that Basant Panchami passes off peacefully in and around Bhojshala," Gaur said.
Meanwhile, various organisations are adamant on their demand for akhand pooja (uninterrupted prayers) at Bhojshala.
Dharm Jagran Manch convener Gopal Sharma and Bhoj Utsav Samitis Vijay Singh Rathore said akhand pooja would be performed outside the premises if permission were not given. A havan kund (fire-altar) has been built outside Bhojshala premises.
Dhar Collector Sriman Shukla while talking to media persons in Dhar on Thursday said that elaborate security arrangements have been made at the venue and "we would go all out to implement the High Court orders."
Meanwhile, State Health Minister Narottam Mishra, considered as the trouble-shooter for the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP Government, reviewed the law and order situation here in the wake of the row and voiced confidence that he will be able to convince right wing leader Vijay Singh Rathore who has demanded that Hindus be allowed the "dawn-to-dusk" access to perform puja at the 11th century structure.
A similar crisis had erupted at the Bhojshala in 2003, 2006 and 2013, when Basant Panchami and Friday namaz coincided.
The Bhojshala is under the Archaeological Survey of India's control. The issue heated up during Congress tenure more than a decade back. As per subsequent Central directives, puja is conducted every Tuesday and namaz offered every Friday. However, additional efforts are required to maintain law and order when Basant Panchami and Friday namaz clash. Prohibitory orders are in force for the past two months in areas surrounding the monument.
The Hindus consider Bhojshala as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), whereas Muslims treat it as Kamal Moula mosque.