HYDERABAD, Dec 28: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Telangana state unit, on Saturday opposed the state government’s proposal to set up solar power plants on temple land.
In a statement, the VHP alleged that this is a ploy to usurp temple land under the guise of renewable energy initiatives.
The VHP demanded that the government immediately withdraw this proposal, which is the latest attempt to privatize temple properties.
The Temple asserted that the government is merely a custodian of temple land, not its owner, a fact repeatedly upheld by courts. However, secular governments have consistently misused their power to control temple affairs, leading to the mismanagement and loss of temple assets worth billions of rupees.
The VHP accused the government of using the 1987 Act to convert temple properties into government assets and subsequently selling vast tracts of land to private individuals.
The government has also encroached upon temple lands for its projects, as evidenced by the acquisition of thousands of acres for the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road.
The VHP further criticized the government for allocating zero budget to temples while levying a 15 percent tax on temple income.
The government has failed to protect temple properties, and incidents of desecration are becoming increasingly common. The organization cites the example of the Vemulawada temple, where the government failed to maintain a cowshed donated by devotees.
The VHP highlighted the precarious situation of temple lands in Telangana, with approximately 2.5 lakh acres belonging to 9608 temples.
The organization cites numerous instances of temple land encroachment, including in prime locations like Abids and Banjara Hills.
The VHP demanded the government withdraw the solar plant proposal and release a white paper on the status of temple properties.
Put the report of the Justice A. Venkataramireddy Commission in the Public domain.
Reclaim all encroached temple lands.
Retrieve temple lands currently under government departments. Remove unauthorized other religious structures from temple lands.
The VHP will launch a statewide protest if the government fails to meet these demands.
The VHP calls upon the entire Hindu community to join the movement to protect temple properties and free them from government control.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
