Vishwa Hindu Parishad Issues Ultimatum: Massive Protests Ahead if Temples Remain Under Government Control
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has made it clear that if temples are not released from government control, it will lead to large-scale demonstrations starting in Andhra Pradesh. The organization asserts that the management of temples should not involve government officials, politicians, or non-Hindus. They warn of a movement on the streets if their demands are not met.
The VHP highlights a consistent pattern of discriminatory behavior towards places of worship in India. While the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to secularism and equality for all religions, the reality reflects a different story. In response to this injustice, the VHP is preparing to take to the streets to voice their opposition.
Dr. Surendra Jain, the National Joint General Secretary of the VHP, has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to hand over all temples, including the Tirupati Balaji Temple, to the Hindu community. He stated that there is no role for governments, political figures, or non-Hindus in the management of these temples.
Dr. Jain expressed concerns about reports questioning the sanctity of the offerings from the Tirupati Balaji Temple, which have incited outrage among Hindus worldwide. He noted that not only is the security of faiths at risk, but also the safety of the temples. The state has seen multiple attacks on temples and Hindu events, but unfortunately, strict action against the perpetrators has yet to be taken. Such unfortunate incidents involving Hindu beliefs have emerged from various locations, with many temples being government-controlled.
He further remarked, “The misuse of funds offered by Hindus in temples managed by the government has been reported on several occasions. There have been instances of grants being given to organizations attempting to convert Hindus or undermine Hindu society. The Hindu community is deeply troubled by the use of its funds to support those who seek to destroy Hinduism. Appointing non-Hindus to manage government-controlled temples is also an affront to Hindu sentiments.”
Dr. Jain asserted that the government's control over temples is not only unconstitutional but also undermines Hindu beliefs. The judiciary has clarified in numerous cases that the government should refrain from managing temples and their properties. Such control by the government openly violates Articles 12, 25, and 26 of the Constitution.
The VHP accuses the governments of having a colonial mindset. Muslim invaders looted, humiliated, and destroyed temples, while the British cunningly established control to facilitate continuous exploitation. Secular political parties, committed to eradicating Hinduism, enrich themselves by appropriating temple income and assets, simultaneously pushing their anti-Hindu agenda. “Hindu property should be utilized for Hindu causes,” they emphasize, noting that the income from temples should be directed toward the welfare and elevation of Hindu culture, which has long been neglected.
VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal stated, “It is unfortunate that even after 77 years of independence, Hindus are denied the right to manage their temples. Minorities are allowed to run their religious institutions, so why is this constitutional right being denied to the Hindu community? Hindu society efficiently manages millions of temples. These temples have always played a vital role during social and national disasters.”
The VHP has articulated several demands to the Andhra Pradesh government on behalf of the Hindu community:
Release all Hindu temples, including Tirupati Balaji, from government control and hand them over to Hindu saints and devotees under a structured arrangement established after extensive deliberation by revered saints.
Until this occurs, immediately remove non-believers and non-Hindus from the management and operation of Hindu temples, ensuring that no non-Hindu or politicians are appointed to manage temples.
Ensure that no non-Hindu shops operate near Hindu temples, offering food, prasad, or other worship materials.
Enforce stringent action against jihadists and other criminals who attack Hindu temples and events, ensuring no one dares to contemplate future attacks on Hindus.
The VHP has expressed that the Hindu community is outraged over these issues, and if their demands are not addressed, they will mobilize a massive protest in Vijayawada on January 5, 2025. Should the government continue to ignore the demands for releasing temples from state control, a larger public movement will be initiated.