New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) A heated debate ignited on Wednesday when Bollywood star Sara Ali Khan was required to present an affidavit to receive blessings at the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. This issue has elicited significant backlash from the Opposition, with Samajwadi Party MLA Ashutosh Verma arguing that the essence of Hinduism and Hindutva is to foster unity among people.

The controversy arose following remarks made by Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee, who stated that moving forward, all non-Hindus must submit an affidavit to seek blessings at these sacred sites.

In an interview with IANS, MLA Verma expressed, "Those engaging in such practices neither grasp the true essence of Hinduism nor understand 'Hindutva'." He emphasized that Sara Ali Khan's film centered around Kedarnath has motivated countless individuals to visit the site. He insisted, "No one among the 1.4 billion Indians should be barred from visiting any sacred location. Every individual has the democratic right to go wherever they please."

Verma accused BJP members of fueling this controversy, stating, "Such divisive strategies involving BJP members are unacceptable."

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav asserted that worship is intrinsically linked to personal belief. He stated, "Anyone should be able to visit a gurdwara, church, temple, or mosque; it is a fundamental right. Whether it’s Shirdi Sai Baba’s shrine or Ajmer Sharif Dargah, people ought to have access everywhere, as it pertains to individual belief. Mandating such requirements is not part of our culture or tradition; I deem it incorrect."

Conversely, the BJP stood by the Temple Committee's decision. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut asserted, "Everyone is 'Sanatani'. 'Sanatan' has no beginning or end; all religions are relatively recent. 'Sanatan' is the ultimate truth. She too is 'Sanatani'. What is the issue with her providing an affidavit?"

Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi told IANS, "Kedarnath and Badrinath are pilgrimage destinations for followers of the 'Sanatan' faith, and if one is visiting these worship sites, they should have faith in Hinduism."

He further pointed out that these places are more than mere tourist attractions; they hold significance for devout believers of the 'Sanatan' tradition.

BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo argued that many sacred sites for Muslims and Christians do not permit Hindu access. He remarked, "This is the decision of the Kedarnath Temple Management Committee, and those questioning it should consider that non-practicing Muslims cannot visit Mecca or Madinah. Are Hindus allowed to receive holy water from the Pope in Vatican City?"

He insisted on the necessity for consistent practices across all religions, stating, "Sara Ali Khan must respect the Kedarnath Temple's ruling."