To protest against the misappropriation of funds by the Siddhivinayak Trust as also against the politicization of the Trust by the Govt., demonstrations are organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on every Tuesday outside the temple. On the last Tuesday, Shri Deepak Gawali approached members of HJS during demonstrations and started arguing with one of the members of HJS about the board carried by him. The conversation that took place between S/Shri Milind Poshe and Prasad Mankar with Deepak Gawali is given below.
Shri Kawali (K): You have written on the board that ! Hindus! Please Realize that the temples are meant for dharma-prasar!. I have objection to this statement.
Shri Poshe (P): What is wrong with this statement? Temples ARE meant for spreading religion.
K: This is wrong. I don’t agree with it.
P: What do you think is the aim behind building churches or mosques? What goes on there?
K: I am not concerned about churches and mosques. Let them be for any purpose.
P: What exactly is your objection for?
K: Do you know the definition of religion?
P: We know the definition. First you tell us what is your definition and then we shall tell you our definition.
K: You are unnecessarily provoking peoples’ sentiments.
Shri Mankar: We have given detailed information in our circular. We are against the activities going on in the name of religion. You should also do something for religion rather than just talking.
Shri Kawali was, however, in no mood to listen. With the strong counter-replies of HJS members, he backed out.
