The Sufi shrine caught up in a religious row in Mumbai

 A Sufi shrine frequented by Indians of all faiths made headlines recently after a top political leader said that he wanted to "liberate" it for just Hindus.

The ascent is no easy feat, with some 1,500 rock-cut steps separating the devout from their destination: a Sufi saint's tomb that has become a seat of faith, legend and disputed history.

The shrine's managing board mirrors this sense of respectful co-existence - while two of its trustees are Muslims, its hereditary custodians are from a Hindu Brahmin family.


But political observers say that Mr Shinde's stance may have less to do with faith and more to do with optics. Dighe's campaign had bumped up his appeal among Hindu voters in Maharashtra state.

All politicians want to do is play games to get votes. Nobody really cares about what the people want."

The sentiment is echoed by numerous locals.

"Hindus and Muslims have co-existed in harmony on this hill for centuries," Mr Shaikh says. "We celebrate festivals together and support each other in times of need.

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