Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has been vocal about the alleged discrimination against ‘Sanathana Dharma’ and ‘Hindu Dharma’. His strong stance has given momentum to calls for the decolonisation of the Hindu Charitable and Endowment Act.
A senior official from the Andhra Pradesh State Revenue Department spoke to The Hans India and noted, “This is the first time in the history of the Telugu States that a top political figure has openly questioned the division between secular and sacred matters.” This division pertains to the control of Hindu temples and their assets by the government.
The official explained that dissatisfaction with the powers granted to the government under the Hindu Charitable Endowments Act has been simmering for decades. However, it has only recently gained widespread attention, especially with the ‘free temples’ movement. This movement, which seeks to release temples from government control, became more prominent after legal battles in Tamil Nadu and large-scale protests in Kerala, particularly during the Sabarimala Temple case.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad National Spokesperson, Dr. Ravinuthala Shashidar, added that the issue has often been seen as one raised by religious organisations. However, anyone familiar with temple management would know that there is rampant corruption. For example, temple assets, especially agricultural lands, are often leased at very low prices to people recommended by ruling party politicians. Additionally, temple assets are sometimes sold off cheaply in auctions.
Dr. Shashidar also pointed out that the Endowment Department rarely fights back when the government acquires temple land, often failing to demand adequate compensation. This is due to pressure from higher-ups to align with government policies. In some cases, lawyers representing the Endowment Department do not actively defend the interests of temples. These actions weaken temple management and give more power to the Endowment Department under the current law.
For years, the government ignored concerns of what some call ‘one-way street secularism’. Advocate Durga Prasada explained that although political leaders and bureaucrats involved in these decisions are often Hindus, there have been significant changes in how the government controls temple affairs. Even the Supreme Court has raised questions about whether a secular state should have control over religious institutions.
Pawan Kalyan’s argument that “secularism is not a one-way street” is expected to have a significant impact on how temple management and endowment departments are handled, especially in South India. The endowment acts in Southern States, including Andhra Pradesh, are rooted in an old colonial law from the Madras State, which many believe is outdated and needs reform.
