‘Stay Away from taking Charge of Hindu Temples’- VHP and Bajrang Dal Warns the Govt
Mangaluru: The Congress government seems to be inviting the wrath of the devout ahead of the assembly polls by its decision to introduce the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act 1997 to take control of Hindu temples and religious Maths. On January 29, the government issued a notification seeking feedback and suggestions from the public on its move to amend the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments legislation which allows them to take over Maths and Temples if they are in trouble. The government is also seeking the views of Temple administrators, staff, archakas, and devotees. But as per the legislation, the government can take over a Math if the head of the institution voluntarily applies for it, or if the Math has no successor or guardian or it is financially unable to manage the Math or if there are complaints of mismanagement or irregularities.
Reacting to the recent government’s measures, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Dakshina Pranta executive president M B Puranik during a press meet said, “Our present Congress government seems to be treading the path of colonial rulers by trying to get the power to intervene and take over Maths and Temples. There was no need for the government to issue the notification when elections are just months away. The Congress government is likely to shelve the legislation in view of the polls. Looking at the present situation this is like the government itself providing a weapon to create controversies for the opposition ahead of the elections. The state government’s attitude favouring the minority is not correct. The government should treat all equally”.
“Instead of interfering in Temples and Maths, the government should worry about their own responsibilities. Instead of doing it efficiently, they should not disturb the smooth running of religious organizations. There are many instances where government organizations have been entrusted to private stakeholders, as they could not manage it successfully. The public will strongly oppose it. The government should not forget the past when they burnt their hands when they tried to take over the Sri Krishna Math. This move by the government is an act against the Hindu Dharma. The Government which failed to administrate all departments has no moral right to administrate Temples. If Govt. takes over Temples then there will be a misuse of power and money. He dared the government to take control of the Mosques and Churches.” added Puranik.
He further said, “There have been examples of misuse of money and power at various temples in Karnataka, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, which are already taken over by the Government. I appeal to all Hindus to unite together and strongly oppose the anti-Hindu act of the Govt. The Indian Constitution which is based on democracy which allows all communities to live in the nation with communal Harmony. In today’s scenario, Hindus have no independence to perform Dharmacharan. The evil eyes of politicians are on the Temples where there is a huge corpus of money which is offered by Hindus. Temples are the backbone of Hindu society’s and the money raised through the Temple offerings are used for the good cause of Hindus.”
“While the government is in favour of Muslims and Christians, it has neglected the Hindu community on a large scale. The govt is not sleuthing into the illegal happenings that has taking place in the Wakf department, Mosques and Churches, instead its trying to poke its nose into the Temple and Maths administration, which is total discrimination. And if at all our Swamijis, Hindu priests try to join hands with the govt in going ahead with the proposed plan, then they will have the curse of Hindus on them. Why do we have different laws-where the govt has one law for Christians and Muslims and a totally different law for Hindus. This shows the discrimination of the govt towards the Hindu community. The government’s interference in religious matters is akin to putting one’s hand in a fire.” added Puranik.
While concluding Puranik said, “VHP and Bajrang Dal very much condemn the govt decision in this regard. People will oppose it tooth and nail. We will try to create public opinion on it. We should all know that earlier, the government had tried to interfere in the matters of Sri Krishna Math/Temple and burnt its fingers. The courts had ruled in the favour of the Temples. Therefore the government should not resort to politics of vengeance. It should desist from going on the wrong. CM Siddaramaiah in the interest of the Hindu community should change his stand on this act and immediately withdraw his decision. If not VHP and Bajrang dal will fight till justice is served. I urge all the Hindus to support us in this fight for justice and for the good of the Hindu community”.
Sharan Pumpwell (VHP), Shivanand Mendon (VHP), Praveen Kuthar and Bhujang Kulal, both of Bajrang Dal were present on the dais during the press meet.
