Mumbai: All temples have been constructed by Hindus with their resources and strength. The temple at Somnath is also one such temple. Now the Government wants to take over control giving the reason of mismanagement. If the Government has so much concern, why does it not take over all neglected temples in interiors and rural areas which could not be developed due to lack of funds? This question was posed to the Government by Dr. Durgesh Samant, the national spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS).
A meeting of trustees of temples in Bhandup area was held as a part of opposition campaign started by HJS. Dr. Samant addressed the meeting. Dr. Samant said that earlier the State Government had to pass separate Acts to take over the management of temples at Pandharpur, Shirdi and Shri Siddhivinayak. Now with passing of the proposed Act, the Govt. will be able to take over management of any temple by just issue of a notice. The Govt. is claiming that the trustees looking after the management of temples are uneducated, have no knowledge and lack management skills. To extract maximum money from temples, the Govt. is now planning to convert them into tourists’ spots. Therefore, in the coming times, Hindu temples will become museums and their religious status will be secondary.
Dr. Samant further said that the Govt. wants to repay its debts through funds collected at temples. After the Act is passed, it is not likely that the money would be used for Hindu Dharma. Besides, the money would be utilized for development of non-Hindus i.e. minorities. The Govt. is already utilizing funds collected by way of taxes for the upliftment of minorities and now even the money from temples can also be used for the purpose. Such kind of Act will never be passed in connection with Muslim religious places; because Muslims have that awareness towards their religion. Such awareness needs to be created among Hindus. The Govt. aggression on Tirupati Balaji temple was foiled by uniting Hindus. Even in the State of Maharashtra, Hindus should come together to fight against the proposed Act, was the appeal made by Dr. Samant to all Hindus.
