Will strive to convey demands of Hindus to the Govt and secure justice: Dr Anil Bonde, BJP MP

• Resolve to fight against Govt takeover of temples and encroachments by Waqf Board

• Trustees demand self-defence training and the establishment of gaushalas

From left: Mr Poonjaji Nemade, MP Dr Anil Bonde, Mr Sunil Ghanwat speaking, Mr Anup Jaiswal, and Mr Shrikant Pisolkar.

Amravati – “While fighting to protect temple lands, it is equally necessary to protect the temples themselves. Temple trustees must give this matter the utmost seriousness. Alongside worship and religious activities, temples should initiate socially beneficial programmes such as self-defence training classes for the younger generation, gymnasiums and gaushalas (cow shelters). Temple trustees need to make organised efforts according to the demands of the times. Regardless of which political party is in power, such burdensome laws are created because of the improper mindset of certain officials within the administration. As public representatives, we are taking this issue seriously. I will strive to convey the demands of Hindus to the Government and secure justice for them,” BJP MP Anil Bonde said while addressing the ‘Temple Land Protection Conference’ organised in Amravati.

More than 150 temple trustees from across Vidarbha attended the conference, along with Mr Sunil Ghanwat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh Organiser of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Organiser of the Rashtriya Mandir Mahasangh (National Temple Federation). Participants expressed the view that the Government’s decision to suspend the draft ‘Devasthan Inam Abolition Act’ was a victory of organised Hindu strength and declared that “the next struggle will be to free temple lands from the control of the Waqf Board.”

If temple trustees unite, 4 lakh temples in the country can be freed from Government control: Sunil Ghanwat, Organiser, Rashtriya Mandir Mahasangh

Mr Sunil Ghanwat said that strong organisational power had been created because the Rashtriya Mandir Mahasangh stood firmly alongside temple trustees. As a result, the Government was compelled to suspend the draft Inam Abolition proposal within a few days. “When temple culture comes under attack, temple trustees from all temples are taking to the streets. The problem of any one temple is the problem of the entire Hindu community. If we continue this struggle with the same strength, one day the Union Government will be compelled to announce the liberation of 4,00,000 temples from Government control,” he said.

Anti-land-grabbing law needed against those who usurp temple lands: Anup Jaiswal, State Office-Bearer, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh

Mr Anup Jaiswal said that the proposed Devasthan Inam Abolition law was suspended only because of the awareness campaign conducted by the Mandir Mahasangh across the State. He added that the Government should enact a strict anti-land-grabbing law against land mafias and encroachments involving temple properties.

Hindu temples should become centres for the protection of culture: Shrikant Pisolkar, Vidarbha Coordinator, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

Mr Shrikant Pisolkar said that all Hindu temples should work on the threefold principles of organisation, coordination and security. Efforts should be made to ensure that temples become the principal centres for the protection of Hindu culture.

District Hindu organiser Mr Pradeep Garge from Amravati was also present on the occasion.

Temple trustees present at the conference

Among those present were Mr Banduji Maharaj of Shri Bandeshwar Bhadra Hanuman Temple; Advocate Rajendra Pandey of Ambadevi Sansthan; Mr Vinit Pakode of Pingaladevi Sansthan, Ner Pinglai; Mr Poonjaji Nemade of Shri Krishna Avadhoot Maharaj Sansthan, Savanga Vitthoba; Mr Jayant Kadre of Shri Muralidhar Maharaj Devasthan; Mr Nilesh Jatale of Asha Manisha Sansthan, Daryapur; and Mr Gajanan Chithore of Kural Purna.