Moscow may allocate new plot for Krishna temple

Moscow may allocate a new plot for the construction of a Krishna temple despite opposition from the powerful Christian Orthodox Church and Muslim clergy.

The earlier allotment of plot to the Moscow chapter of ISKCON for building the Krishna temple was revoked by the prosecutor’s office due to alleged "irregularities".

The Christian Orthodox Church and Muslim clergy were also opposed to the allotment of plot for the purpose.

The issue came up during the talks visiting Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had with the Russian capital’s Mayor Yuri Luzhkov on Wednesday.

"At the insistence of the local authorities the clause about allocation of land for the Hindu temple has been included in the joint statement of the governments of Delhi and Moscow signed at the end of our visit," Dikshit told reporters on Thursday.

Dikshit was leading a large delegation of government officials and artists for the three-day cultural festival — Days of Delhi in Moscow.

"Days of Delhi in Moscow was a roaring success," Dikshit said adding, she and the Moscow mayor have agreed to continue the process of cultural exchanges along the lines of sister cities and that Days of Moscow will be held in Delhi in 2007.