Indu Makkal Katchi Criticizes BJP for Inaction on Temple Autonomy
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Synopsis
The Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) has criticized the BJP for failing to support the demand for temple autonomy, accusing the central government of betraying Hindu interests. IMK leader Arjun Sampath emphasized the constitutional rights of Hindus to manage their temples independently and indicated a willingness to oppose the BJP if necessary.
Key Takeaways
- IMK criticizes BJP for inaction on temple autonomy.
- Arjun Sampath expresses disappointment over the Centre's stance.
- Public Interest Litigation for temple autonomy filed over a decade ago.
- IMK emphasizes the constitutional rights of Hindus.
- Plans to escalate concerns to Prime Minister Modi.
Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) The Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK), a right-wing political party in Tamil Nadu and a historical ally of the BJP, has launched a fierce critique against the central government, accusing it of undermining Hindu interests by neglecting the demand for allowing temples to operate free from governmental oversight.
In a pointed statement, IMK's founder-president Arjun Sampath articulated profound disillusionment regarding the Centre’s position on ongoing legal matters concerning temple management. He stated that the BJP has failed the Hindu community by not advocating for their constitutional right to administer their temples autonomously.
Sampath recalled that over a decade ago, their spiritual guide Thavathiru Dayananda Saraswathi Swamiji had initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to secure autonomy for Hindu temples. “This transcends mere spirituality -- it is fundamentally a constitutional issue,” Sampath noted, emphasizing that it relates to the basic rights of Hindus to govern their places of worship.
He claimed that for the last 12 years, the Centre has not only been silent in the courts but has also aligned itself with the positions of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments. “This constitutes nothing less than a betrayal,” he asserted.
While recognizing the BJP’s achievements in fulfilling various significant Hindutva objectives -- such as the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) -- Sampath expressed that these milestones cannot compensate for the party’s inaction on what he identified as a 'core ideological issue'.
“The BJP must grasp that temple autonomy is non-negotiable for us,” he insisted. “We are not merely a faction of the Sangh Parivar. We are independent supporters of Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Should circumstances require, we are prepared to oppose the BJP on this issue.”
In discussions with reporters, Sampath elaborated that although the IMK’s fundamental beliefs coincide with much of the BJP’s ideological tenets, the Centre’s negligence regarding temple autonomy is “profoundly disheartening.”
He added that the IMK has formally expressed its concerns to the BJP and plans to escalate the matter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah via Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai.
“We remain optimistic that once our concerns are communicated, the central leadership will respond with the urgency and seriousness this matter warrants,” Sampath concluded.
