Why ‘Temple take-over’ Act only for Hindus?

Kolhapur: Maharashtra Government is trying to take over all temples, mutts and religious institutions. ‘Nationalization’ of temples is an assault on Hindu Dharma. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has started ‘save temples’ movement. The proposed Act will not be made applicable to mosques, dargahs and churches. Why the ‘temple take over’ Act is only for Hindus? Shri. Vyankatesh Abdev, the central minister of VHP raised this query in the press conference. Shri. Abdev said that the proposed Act is against the provisions of Indian Constitution and is injustice to Hindus. The State Govt. is taking advantage of one stray mishap that occurred during Mandhardevi fair and is claiming that such Law is necessary whereas the real purpose of passing such Act is to lay hand on funds collected at temples. So far Govt. has taken over Shirdi Sansthan, Sree Vitthal-Rukmini temple at Pandharpur and Sree Siddhivinayak Trust at Mumbai. When not a single dime is used from the coffers of churches and mosques for Hindus, why should temple money be used for people following other religions? If the Govt. does not budge from its stand on passing this Act, VHP will have to take aggressive stand. VHP has set up a committee for opposing nationalization of mutt-mandirs.

About the incident at Ichalkaranji, he said that it was only a public reaction. If Hindus were not converted, missionaries would not have been beaten up. Christians should stop their business of conversions. He warned that if missionaries do not stop conversions, they will have to pay the price. Regarding ‘Sree Rama-setu’, he said that the secular (?) Congress Government is bent upon destroying Hindu Dharma and culture.

VHP’s  Signature Drive

Till 20th June 2007, VHP is undertaking membership drive; under which, various trusts will be given membership. During this period, even the signature drive will be carried out under which signatures will be collected in support of the campaign. On 21 st June to 22nd July, conferences of trustees and devotees will be held at district levels. Agitations will be staged during 23rd July to 20th August and representations will be given to elected representatives. In the month of September, representation will be given to the Governor. During the months of October and November, rallies will be organized in different parts of the State.

Source: ‘ Daily Sanatan Prabhat ‘