Vishwa Hindu Parishad Accuses Governments of Temple Land Misuse
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Telangana has accused successive state governments of misusing temple lands and prioritizing privatization over preservation. The organization has raised serious allegations, claiming that secular governments have turned into grabbers and sellers of temple properties.
One of the VHP’s key concerns is the state government’s proposal to set up solar power plants on temple lands. The organization strongly opposes this move and has demanded that the government immediately withdraw the plan. They argue that such actions are a ploy to privatize temple properties under the guise of renewable energy development.
In a press conference, VHP leaders, including national representative Dr. Ravinuthala Sashidhar and Telangana State Unit President B Narasimha Murthy, condemned the government’s intentions. They warned that the VHP would oppose any attempts to hand over temple lands to private entities. According to them, safeguarding temple assets is crucial to maintaining their sanctity and cultural significance.
The VHP has put forth several demands. These include the immediate rollback of the solar power plant proposal, the release of a white paper detailing temple properties, and the disclosure of the Justice A. Venkata Ramireddy Commission report. They also called for the return of temple lands currently under the control of government departments and the removal of non-Hindu structures built on temple properties. The leaders emphasized the need to restore alienated lands and ensure temples are free from the control of secular governments, urging that temple administration be handed over to Hindus.
Citing court judgments, the VHP stated that the government is merely a trustee of temple lands, not their owner. However, they alleged that government actions under the Endowment Department and the 1987 Endowment Law have led to the mismanagement of temple properties. According to the VHP, thousands of acres of temple land have been sold or repurposed for government needs, resulting in a serious threat to these assets.
The organization also criticized the state government for failing to allocate resources to the Endowment Ministry while continuing to collect a 15% tax from temples under the “common good fund.” They accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to protect temple lands, citing repeated incidents of violations that undermine the sanctity of these religious sites.
The VHP leaders concluded by issuing a warning: if the government does not take immediate action to address their concerns, the organization will launch an agitation. They also reiterated their nationwide call for the liberation of Hindu temples from state control to ensure their preservation and integrity.
