‘Equal Rights For Hindu Places Of Worship Is Coming’, Says Suresh Gopi Hinting At Changes In Devaswom Board Governance

The demand to free temples from state control, all across India, has been a persistent request from devotees who are concerned about alleged mismanagement, misuse, and encroachment on temple properties and assets. Recent developments suggest that the central government may be considering steps to address these concerns by potentially bringing temples under the supervision of a central board.

Renowned film star and Kerala BJP leader, Suresh Gopi, hinted at significant changes regarding temple governance in Kerala. He suggested that the Devaswom board, responsible for managing temples in Kerala, could soon have a central overseeing authority. Gopi emphasized that this move might align with the Uniform Civil Code, which has been a topic of discussion in India. This potential shift could be one of the reasons behind the delay in implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Speaking to the press, he said, “Cooperative Societies perhaps need a master like this. Dewaswom Board is also going to get a master like that. A lot of things are going to be included within the ambit of the Uniform Civil Code and that is why it is being delayed as well. When we say equal rights for everyone, the principle equal rights will have to be applicable to Hindu places of worship too. It is all going to come.. to control and rein in the corrupt and malicious politics that played in Sabarimala and other places, it is coming. Shouldn’t it?” 

PM Modi Hinted At This In A Rally

During an election rally in Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of state governments’ control over temples. He expressed his concern about the inequity of temples being under state control while other places of worship, especially those run by minorities, remain autonomous. PM Modi particularly highlighted the encroachment of temple lands by the Tamil Nadu state government and deemed this situation unjust. He asserted that the state government was claiming ownership of temples, leading to their mismanagement and exploitation.

PM Modi stated that temples’ wealth was being misappropriated, and they were being targeted and captured by the state government. He criticized the selective application of government policies, highlighting that places of worship of minority communities remained untouched by such interference.

Furthermore, PM Modi took a swipe at the Congress party for its slogan “Greater Population, Greater Rights,” questioning whether this principle would apply to temples that had been captured and looted. He called on the Congress and its allies, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, to clarify their stance on this issue and whether they would return temple rights to Hindus.

These remarks by the Prime Minister have received a positive response from temple activists and Hindu devotees who have long advocated for the liberation of temples from state control.

The developments have sparked hope among those who seek to preserve Hindu culture and heritage by liberating temples from perceived mismanagement and encroachments.

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