Congress Leaders Take Dip in Maha Kumbh, Why This Hypocrisy: Jairam Thakur
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur
Mandi, March 4: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has launched a scathing attack on the Congress leadership while accusing the Chief Minister (CM) and Deputy CM of the state of their anti-Sanatan thinking. Thakur’s criticism followed the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh and the attendance of both the CM and his Deputy, who took part in the holy bath, commenting that their actions go against their religion (belief) and are in direct opposition to him being CM.
Thakur said in Mandi, where he was addressing a gathering, that the CM and Deputy CM danced in the holy waters of the Maha Kumbh, but their actions are a clear reflection of their anti-Sanatan approach. “They took a dip in Maha Kumbh, but they didn’t change, including the CM and Deputy CM. Their thinking is still anti-Sanatan,” he added.
Thakur further alleged that the Congress has a long history of opposing the Sanatan values. He said that the statements of several Congress leaders on Maha Kumbha and the politics of appeasement are tarnishing the Sanatan Dharma. Although some leaders may profess faith and piety in public, their actions in the political and administrative spheres betray their words, he charged.
Among the key issues that Thakur raised was the Congress government’s demand for funds from temples for state purposes. Earlier, he said, money collected from temples was sent to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, where it was used to help the poor, destitute and people affected by natural calamities. But this is the first time in the history of the state that the govern(ment) departments demand (to) run on the funds of temples, which is a direct violation of dharmik vishwas,” Thakur said.
This is the first time in the history of the state that money from temples has been sought to run government departments, Thakur said, adding that it was a sickening and shocking step of the state government that raises questions about its attitude towards religious institutions.
Besides the financial angle, Thakur also alleged dishonesty on the part of Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri over a recent notification issued by the Department of Language, Art and Culture. A notification has been issued by the head of the department which Agnihotri heads, and as per Thakur, it authorizes collection of funds from temples. Thakur also alleged that Agnihotri had previously remained silent on the issue after taking the decision but was now trying to wash off his hands publicly of it.
“Now the Deputy CM is talking of issuing a notification, but the notification is already there,” he said. “Did the CM issue this notification without informing or taking the Deputy CM’s consent?”
Thakur’s comments have sparked huge political controversy, with many accusing him of using religion in his agenda. But Thakur sticks to his charge against the Congress leadership, saying it does little honor to the temple and to the faith of the millions of Hindus that have made up Himachal Pradesh.
He closed his speech with the noting that the deeds of congress leaders and how they manage funds gather in the name of religion, is a sin. “The way Congress leaders are lying on the money that has been collected in the name of faith, which is deposited in the treasury of gods and godesses, they are committing a sin,” Thakur asserted.
The new round of contention surrounding management of temple wealth and religious iconography is likely to escalate further in the coming weeks as both parties dig their heels in further ahead of upcoming polls.
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