F or over a century, generations of Muslims have worshipped in a mosque that stands just across the road from the prime minister’s official home in the heart of India’s capital. Now the historic mosque, older than the Indian republic itself, faces the threat of demolition.

Bulldozers work nearby as fears mount that the Race Course Mosque will soon be torn down as part of an ongoing drive to clear the surroundings of the prime minister’s residence.

The nearby Delhi Race Club, a city landmark since the British colonial era, is already a pile of rubble and an old Hindu temple is feared to be under threat as well, sparking protests over the wanton destruction of religious and cultural heritage in the heart of the capital.

The mosque and the temple stand desolate amid the wreckage of some 700 homes that were bulldozed earlier this month despite protests.

Muslim worshippers have not been allowed in the mosque since 16 October.

The Indian government is preparing to destroy the mosque at a time when it’s facing…