Rajasthan : RSS stages blockade over temple demolition, BJP MLAs join in

Jaipur : Thousands of commuters were stranded as Hindu outfits led by RSS on Thursday observed a two-hour road blockade this morning, demanding restoration of temples razed for construction of Metro here, with several ruling BJP MLAs too joining the stir along with their supporters.

Police said that the ‘chakka jam’ protest was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported.

“Law and order situation remained under absolute control and the jam was peaceful. No emergency vehicle was stranded. Additional policemen were deployed who cleared the traffic after 11 am,” Mahendra Singh, Additional Commissioner of Jaipur Police, said.

Mandir Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organisation steering the protest, claimed that the stir was successful.

The protest, however, gave a harrowing time to commuters especially office-goers as there were massive jams due to the blockades at around 80 key places including Rambagh circle, Ajmeri gate, MI Road, government hostel, Chomu pulia, Sanganer and Sodala.

“It was very successful. Our demand is to restore temples to their original places and action against guilty officials,” Badri Narayan Chaudhary, convener of the Samiti, said.

He said vehicles of emergency services, police and high court judges were allowed during the ‘chakka jam’ from 9 am to 11 am.

“73 temples have been shifted from their original places during the present government whereas 34 temples were demolished under the previous Congress government.”

“We demand restoration of the temples at their original places, and stern action against officials who were involved in this exercise which has hurt the sentiments of Hindu community people,” he said.

Activists burnt an effigy at Choti Chaupad and offered flowers at the place from where Rojgareshwar Mahadev temple was shifted due to Jaipur Metro rail project in the walled city area.

Ruling party MLAs Narpat Singh Rajvi, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Phoolchand Bhinda, Surendra Pareek, some councillors, former spokesperson of BJP Kailash Nath Bhatt and RSS members were among those who participated in the protest.

“People agree with the demands. There is resentment among people against demolition and shifting of ancient temples. Therefore people supported the call,” Narpat Singh Rajvi, who represents Vidhyadhar Nagar constituency in Jaipur, told a news agency.

He participated with volunteers in the blockade at Vidhyadhar Nagar. MLA from Hawamahal Surendra Pareek was at Jorawar Singh gate while Sanganer MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari was in his constituency.

Former BJP spokesperson Kailash Nath Bhatt, who last month voiced his opinion against security cover provided to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and later resigned, was at Ajmeri gate.

Source : Zee News