Akhilesh Yadav Opposes Temple Management Takeover by Government

Lucknow, May 27 (PTI): On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav firmly opposed any government intervention in temple management, emphasizing the need to shield these sacred places from “administrative corruption.”

In a post on social media platform X, Yadav shared a video report suggesting that a trust has been constituted to oversee the Banke Bihari temple in Mathura. He accused the BJP government of indirectly seizing control of major temples nationwide under the guise of improved administration. Yadav alleged that traditional caretakers, who have managed these temples with dedication for centuries, are being unjustly accused of incompetence and mismanagement.

He highlighted that offerings from devotees have historically been used for temple services such as darshan, prasad distribution, security, public amenities, and 'dharamshalas.' According to Yadav, these functions are best handled by individuals with a profound spiritual connection to the place.

Yadav accused outsiders or professionals appointed by the administration of treating these sacred institutions as profit-making ventures. He cited instances where corrupt officials have sold even simple offerings like ''belpatra' leaves. He cautioned the BJP and its “greedy allies” that religion is intended for public welfare, not for monetary gain.

He stated, “It is not a coincidence that since the BJP came to power, temples have increasingly come under administrative control. This undermines the country's cultural and religious traditions.”

Yadav questioned whether government officials, who are subject to transfers and political favoritism, could ever match the faith and service brought by traditional caretakers. Taking a jab at the ruling party, he claimed, “The faithful say today — we don’t want the BJP.”

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