New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) Following the announcement by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) regarding their intention to restrict entry to non-Hindus at the Badrinath–Kedarnath Dham and other temples under their management, the Congress party has condemned the decision as 'completely wrong.'

In remarks to IANS, Congress leader Husain Dalwai stated, “It is completely wrong. Earlier, Muslims were permitted access, and halting that now raises significant concerns. I believe this initiative aims to establish a mini-Hindu nation, which is unacceptable. The critical question is whether the authorities are upholding the Constitution of the nation. The Congress must oppose such actions.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore also criticized the initiative, labeling it a sensitive matter, especially within Uttarakhand.

“Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi (the land of the gods) in our nation, yet it is succumbing to the influence of the RSS. This organization and its affiliates have founded communal groups under various names. With elections approaching next year, there seems to be a conspiracy between the BJP and the RSS to perpetuate tensions in Uttarakhand, disrupt communal harmony, and incite hatred,” he remarked.

Tagore further accused the decision of being politically motivated.

“With elections on the horizon, this appears to be a conspiracy involving the BJP, the RSS, and even law enforcement to ignite tensions, damage unity, and encourage animosity. We must resist this. Uttarakhand has a rich history and has long been a beacon of peace, unity, and coexistence,” he elaborated to IANS.

In response to the backlash, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo stated that this was a decision made by the shrine Board, and complete information was not yet available.

“This is a decision made by the shrine Board, and we do not have all the particulars at this moment. However, it is also true that there are places of worship for other religions where individuals of different faiths are not permitted. Given the circumstances under which this decision was made, and considering that there appears to be no consensus among the members, it would be prudent to refrain from drawing conclusions at this stage,” he said.

Senior advocate and former MP Majeed Memon expressed that any decision that conflicts with constitutional rights will not withstand legal examination.

“If the government’s decision contradicts constitutional provisions, it will not endure. Legally prohibiting non-Hindus from temple entry, if challenged, will likely be overturned,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the temple committee has declared that only Hindus will be permitted to enter the historic Badrinath and Kedarnath temples located in Uttarakhand, which are part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. A proposition regarding this decision is anticipated to be presented in the forthcoming Board meeting.

Confirming the development, BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi stated that entry for non-Hindus will be barred in all temples overseen by the committee.