Withdraw the ‘Inam Abolition Act’ immediately, which threatens the existence of Hindu temples; otherwise, a mass agitation will be launched

Warning by Temple Trustees in Raigad District

Devotees and supporters of Hindu Dharma from Raigad, along with temple trustees, while submitting a memorandum to Tehsildar Mr Uttam Kumbhar.

Raigad (Maharashtra) – The proposed “Maharashtra Devasthan Inam Abolition Draft Act, 2026” by the Revenue and Forest Department of the Maharashtra Government threatens to uproot the autonomous existence and sources of income of thousands of Hindu temples in the state. Temple trustees alleged that the draft law contains serious legal flaws and directly attacks the religious and property rights of Hindus. Several temple trustees from Raigad district strongly opposed this anti-democratic draft and demanded that the Government withdraw the proposed Act unconditionally. Memorandums regarding this were submitted on 20 and 21 May 2026 to Tehsildar Mr Uttam Kumbhar at the Sudhagad Tehsil Office by temple trustees from Raigad.

While submitting the memorandum, more than 60 devotees and devout Hindus were present under the leadership of Mr Jitendra Gadre, President of Shri Ballaleshwar Devasthan at Pali, one of the Ashtavinayak temples. Those present included Mr Pradeep Tukaram Langi, President of Shri Uddhar Rameshwar Devasthan; Mr Vaibhav Apte, Vice-President of Ballaleshwar Devasthan; Mr Raju Patere of Ramwadi Devasthan; Mr Yogesh Upadhye of Vishnu Devasthan; Mr Pramod Pawagi of Pali Devasthan; Mr Abhijit Chandorkar, President of Maruti Devasthan; Mr Sanjay Ghosalkar, President of Mari Mata Mandir; Mr Mahadev Pimpale, trustee of Mahakali Devasthan; and Mr Rajendra Pawaskar, representative of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh.

Devotees and supporters of Hindu Dharma from Raigad, along with temple trustees, while submitting a memorandum to Tehsildar Mr Uttam Kumbhar.

Possibility of temples losing ownership rights over temple lands: Mr Jitendra Gadre, President, Shri Ballaleshwar Devasthan

Mr Jitendra Gadre expressed concern that, according to the provisions in the proposed draft, there is a strong possibility that temples across Maharashtra may lose ownership rights over lands belonging to them. He stated that all matths and temples are united in opposing the draft to protect the existence of temples and their lands.

Will launch a mass agitation if necessary: Mr Pradeep Langi, President, Shri Uddhar Rameshwar Devasthan

Mr Pradeep Langi, President of Shri Uddhar Rameshwar Devasthan, said, “We fully support the stand taken by the presidents of other temples. We will strongly oppose this law throughout Raigad district. If necessary, a large-scale public agitation will be launched across the entire Raigad district.”

Double standards of the Government regarding Waqf and Temple properties: Temple Trustees

The temple trustees alleged that while Waqf properties are being given special protection, the Government is simultaneously introducing laws to seize temple lands, which amounts to discrimination and is condemnable. They said that temple lands are not merely pieces of land but a sacred heritage of Hindu culture and faith. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and all temple trustees warned that the religious institutions, sects, devotees, and Hindu organisations across Raigad and the entire state of Maharashtra would launch an intense public agitation if the Government attempts to push through this law while trampling upon the sentiments of the Hindu community.

Editorial Perspective

Why is there a need to issue such a warning? Why does the Administration not act on its own?