Rajasthan govt demolished temples for development work: Raje tries to pacify angry RSS

The RSS is all for preserving what they term ‘Hindu culture’ and propagating Hinduism. So when the Rajasthan government decided to demolish some temples to make way for development projects, the saffron outfit was not too happy about it. Hindu outfits backed by RSS had staged a two-hour road blockade on 9 July to press for restoration of temples razed for construction of Metro and threatened to launch an agitation if their demands are not met within a week. [caption id=“attachment_2339992” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AFP[/caption] Hence, to keep things under control, the Vasundhara Raje government has tried to pacify the RSS and has tried to explain the state’s need for development. The Indian Express reports , “The Vasundhara Raje government has been trying to show the Sangh that the move was made for development projects. The government has also offered to reconstruct the temples wherever possible.” Mandir Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, the organisation steering the protest, had warned the Vasundhara Raje government of fresh agitation if their demands, including re-establishment or relocation of temples, are not met. But even as the Raje government pacified the RSS, they were quick to blame the previous Congress government saying they only demolished temples, but not Muslim shrines. A senior government official told The Indian Express , “Around 32 temples were demolished during the previous Ashok Gehlot government while the Raje government brought down 65 temples and eight Muslim shrines that came in the way of development projects such as the Ring Road, Jaipur Metro, road widening and beautification of the city. These were necessary, more so because all these religious structures were encroachments and did not have legal land holding. The Gehlot government, however, did not demolish any Muslim shrine ever.” According to the report, 43 temples had been demolished and the government has already started reconstructing 33 temples. Earlier during the protest BJP leaders said because of the demolitions people’s sentiments had been hurt. “People agree with the demands. There is resentment among people against demolition and shifting of ancient temples. Therefore people supported the call,” Narpat Singh Rajvi, who represents Vidhyadhar Nagar constituency in Jaipur, told PTI. With PTI inputs