VHP to Step Up Campaign Seeking End to State Control of Hindu Temples
He said the organisation would hold conventions of eminent personalities in major cities across the country to build public support for the movement.
Mangaluru: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday announced plans to intensify its campaign against government control of Hindu temples, demanded swift action in the Ayodhya donation case and criticised the Opposition over recent protests.
Addressing reporters here, VHP International President Alok Kumar said the organisation would launch a nationwide campaign in 2026 to press for the release of Hindu temples from government control. As part of the campaign, VHP leaders would meet chief ministers, governors, Members of Parliament and legislators across the country and submit memoranda seeking the transfer of temple administration to devotees and the Hindu community.
Expressing confidence in the campaign, Kumar said the VHP hoped to achieve success on the issue just as it believed it had in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the campaign for the Uniform Civil Code and cow protection legislation.
He said the organisation would hold conventions of eminent personalities in major cities across the country to build public support for the movement.
Questioning the rationale behind government control of Hindu temples, Kumar said governments did not administer mosques, churches, gurdwaras, Jain institutions or Buddhist monasteries and therefore should not continue to manage Hindu temples either.
On the alleged financial irregularities involving donations at the Ram Mandir, Kumar said the temple trust itself had acknowledged the irregularities, lodged a First Information Report and sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
"The trust did not attempt to suppress the matter. We want a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court, and those found guilty should be punished through a fast-track court by the end of 2026," he said. He added that steps were also being initiated to appoint a professional Chief Executive Officer, preferably an IAS officer, to strengthen the temple's administrative system.
Kumar also took exception to the recent protest outside Parliament in which Independent MP Pappu Yadav allegedly wore saffron robes, accusing the Opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, of insulting a sacred symbol of Sanatan Dharma.
"No saint or seer has been named in the Ayodhya donation case. Using saffron robes for political protests is an insult to Sanatan Dharma, and devotees will give a fitting reply during elections," he said.
