Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at freeing Hindu temples from the control of the state government. This campaign will start with a public awareness program organized in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on 5 January. VHP Organization General Secretary Milind Parande gave detailed information about this campaign while talking to the media. He said that a draft law has been prepared for the management and administration of temples, which has been submitted to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for consideration.
Draft law and its preparation
This draft law has been prepared by a think tank, which includes retired Chief Justice, Supreme Court lawyers, religious leaders, and VHP workers. Parande said, “Work on this draft was going on for the last 2-3 years.” He said that government control over temples started during the British rule for the purpose of financial gain and it was unfortunate that this tradition continued even after independence.
Movement started in Vijayawada
More than two lakh people are expected to participate in the first event to be held in Vijayawada. Religious saints will guide the society in the program. Describing this movement as beyond political gain, Parande said that it is being done with the aim of empowering the Hindu society. He gave the example of Karnataka, where the proposal for independence of temples was made, but the initiative remained incomplete due to electoral defeat.
Main provisions of the draft law
- Formation of religious councils:
According to the draft law, religious councils will be formed in every state. These will include religious leaders, retired judges, and experts in Hindu scriptures.
- District level elections:
These councils will conduct elections at the district level, after which trustees will be appointed for local temples.
- Only followers of Hinduism in management:
Only persons practicing Hinduism will get positions in administrative bodies. Politicians or persons associated with political parties will not be given any role in this.
- Use of temple income:
The income of the temples will be used only for the propagation of Hindu religion and community service. No part of it will be spent on government projects.
purpose of movement
Parande said that this campaign has been launched to empower the Hindu society and ensure the sanctity and proper administration of the temples. He described it as an important initiative to protect the faith and religious freedom of the Hindu society.
future direction
Through this campaign starting from Vijayawada, VHP wants to give birth to a new discussion regarding the administration and independence of temples across the country. This initiative could be a decisive step to empower Hinduism and the role of temples.
This movement will not only serve to unite the Hindu society but will also set an ideal for ensuring transparency and sanctity in the management of temples.
