E-Paper
Seers oppose takeover plan
A MEETING of dharmacharyas has vehemently opposed the government?s plan to control administration of temples in the State. The seers decided to form a broader platform to air their grievances against interference in religious affairs. The meeting was presided over by Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. A large number of sants and mahants participated in the meeting held at the Karunanidhan Bhawan temple on Saturday evening.
A MEETING of dharmacharyas has vehemently opposed the government’s plan to control administration of temples in the State. The seers decided to form a broader platform to air their grievances against interference in religious affairs.
The meeting was presided over by Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. A large number of sants and mahants participated in the meeting held at the Karunanidhan Bhawan temple on Saturday evening.
Jagatguru Ramanujancharya Purushottamacharya said government officials would have the upper hand in management and control of Hindu temples in UP under a proposed amendment to the law.
“Our religious freedom will be affected due to government control,” he added.
Mahant Basudevacharya said the government seemed to be misguided by vested interests. “We should oppose the government plan tooth and nail.”
Moving a resolution on the matter, former BJP MP Mahant Dr Ram Bilas Vedanti said the government should constitute an advisory board of Hindu religious leaders for any matter related to shrines. It was also proposed to raise awareness among the Hindus against the proposed interference by the State Government.
The speakers said the State Government was citing the example of certain laws prevalent in southern states to control the functioning of temples.
In another resolution, the meeting opposed enhancement of taxes by officials of the Ayodhya City Board without taking citizens into confidence. They demanded its withdrawal without delay.
Mahant Maithilishrana Das of Lakshman Kila and Mahant Awadh Kishori Sharan Das were also present.
