Hindu temples should be free from govt control: VHP

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national joint secretary, Dr. Surendra Jain, expressed the VHP’s support for the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to ensure non-interference by government officials in the management of rituals and ‘pujas’ at Hindu temples.
Speaking to media persons in the city on Saturday,  he criticised the ongoing practice of government control over several prominent temples, stating that it undermines the beliefs of Hindus. He further announced that the VHP is launching a nationwide movement calling for the autonomous management of Hindu temples. As part of this, VHP Andhra Pradesh will organise a major public meeting titled “Hyndava Sankharavam” in Vijayawada on 5th January 2025.
The VHP demanded that temples, including Tirupati Balaji, should be freed from government control and handed over to the Hindu community under a more effective autonomous system. They emphasized that no non-Hindus should hold positions as employees or administrators in temple management, and those currently in such roles should be removed immediately.
The VHP also called for a ban on non-Hindus being appointed to temple trust boards or engaging in business activities near the temples.Additionally, the VHP urged the government to safeguard temple properties until they are transferred to the proposed autonomous trusts and to ensure that temple income is not used for non-Hindu purposes.
Dr. Jain also called for strict action against those who attack Hindu society and temples with malicious intent.