Himachal BJP President Criticizes Sukku Government for Misusing Temple Trust Funds
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Synopsis
In a statement, BJP Himachal Pradesh chief Rajeev Bindal criticized the Congress government for allegedly misusing temple trust funds, which were historically reserved for temple development and maintenance. Bindal emphasized the importance of these funds for providing essential services to pilgrims and maintaining the sanctity of religious sites.
Key Takeaways
- Rajeev Bindal claims trust funds are not for government schemes.
- Funds should support temple development and pilgrim services.
- Small temples lack proper maintenance due to insufficient donations.
- Congress government criticized for financial mismanagement.
- History of non-use of temple funds for budgetary purposes.
Shimla, March 5 (NationPress) The chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh, Rajeev Bindal, has asserted that approximately 40 major pilgrimage sites and temples have been taken over by state governments over the years, yet the trust funds have never been allocated for budgetary purposes, contrary to the actions of the current Congress government.
In a recent statement, he emphasized that the intention behind such acquisitions is evident: the offerings made at these temples should contribute to their upkeep, enhance facilities for pilgrims, and improve the pilgrimage sites.
“What provisions can be made for the millions of pilgrims visiting, based on these offerings? This includes organizing food distribution, providing refreshments, seating, accommodation, compensating priests and brahmins for their services, maintaining the idols of deities, and ensuring the availability of gold and silver ornaments for adornment,” he remarked.
Bindal further noted that numerous small temples in Himachal Pradesh hold significant value, yet they often lack sufficient donations for proper maintenance.
“A provision exists to fund the maintenance of these smaller temples and the associated worship arrangements, including honoraria for priests, using donations from larger temples. However, a recent notification from the Himachal Pradesh government to District Magistrates clearly instructs that these funds should be redirected to government schemes,” he stated.
The BJP President criticized the inconsistencies in statements from the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, and Congress spokespersons.
“While we have no concern with their internal disagreements, we will not permit any misappropriation of funds that belong to the trusts of these temples,” the former BJP Minister asserted.
The notification issued by the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, which is currently facing a financial crisis marked by a substantial debt burden and escalating salary and pension expenses, has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP for utilizing temple funds for welfare schemes.
Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur stated that no prior administration has ever diverted temple trust funds for budgetary purposes, declaring, “Employing temple funds for routine government expenditures is entirely unacceptable,” during a media briefing.
On January 29, the Social Justice and Empowerment Department released a notification requesting “contributions for charitable initiatives and welfare programs conducted by the state.”
Valuables amounting to several crores in gold and silver are held by 29 significant government-controlled Hindu temples in the region.
Among these, the shrine of Chintpurni in Una district is the wealthiest. Other affluent temple trusts include those of Naina Devi in Bilaspur, Jwalamukhi, Brajeshwari Devi, and Chamunda Devi in Kangra district, Bhimakali in Shimla district, Mahamaya Balasundari temple in Sirmaur district, and Baba Balak Nath in Hamirpur district.
