Rajasthan temple demolition: BJP, seers take out ‘Aakrosh rally’, demand reconstruction

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a couple of Hindutva outfits took out an ‘Aakrosh rally’ in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Wednesday and protested against the demolition of temples by civic authorities. Scores of seers also took part in the ‘anger rally’ for putting pressure on Gehlot government to rebuild the temple at the same site.

The demolition of three temples in Rajasthan’s Alwar district triggered bitter political fight between the BJP & incumbent Congress government. State administration called it an anti-encroachment drive and informed that many shops & houses were also razed but it was the demolition of religious places including 300-year old Shiv Temple that raised the hackles of Hindutva outfits as well as Hindu seers.

In the rally that marched from Shaheed Smaarak to the collectorate, Alwar BJP MP Balaknath also participated. He led the rally while supporters chanted slogans against the Congress government.

The razing of Shiv temple by bulldozers in Alwar left the locals fuming. Also, the broken pieces of idols enraged them as the authorities didn’t inform anyone and chose to ride roughshod over religious beliefs.

BJP blames Congress, latter defends action

BJP has mounted attack on Gehlot-led Congress government for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindu community. It accused Congress of building a false propaganda over Jahangirpuri anti-encroachment drive but turning a deaf eye on ‘bulldozer attack’ on temples in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia accused Congress of ‘plotting’ the demolition, state Cong chief Govind Singh Dotasra said that the decision was taken by city’s municipality, currently led by saffron party.

Civic authorities claim that all due procedure were followed but the presence of Congress MLA Johoir Lala Meena during temple demolition has given enough fodder to the saffron party for escalating its attack.