Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Jul: BJP state media in‑charge Manveer Singh Chauhan today asserted that a high‑level committee is investigating the theft of offerings at Badrinath temple and that one accused has already been arrested. Chauhan alleged that despite the continuing action in the case, Congress is trying to seek political opportunity in the matter. He asserted that Congress has no moral right to question the working style of the BJP. Before pointing fingers at others, Congress should answer the serious allegations raised during the tenure of its own leaders before the people of Devbhoomi.
Chauhan alleged that whenever Congress has held power, questions have been raised over temple management, religious institutions and the faith of devotees. Today the same Congress, wearing the mask of morality, is attempting to preach to the BJP. He also asked why serious complaints were lodged during the tenure of Ganesh Godiyal as chairman of the Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee between 2012 and 2017. If everything was transparent and rule‑bound, why did committee member Dimri have to submit a written complaint, why were inquiries ordered and why does Congress not demand that the full inquiry report be made public. He questioned whether it is the issue of the appointments, financial approvals and administrative decisions during Godiyal’s tenure were not subject to scrutiny, and if they were, why Congress is hiding the truth from the people.
Chauhan claimed that Congress’s political character is peculiar. When the allegations are levelled against its own leaders, it says ‘let the inquiry happen,’ but when it comes to BJP, it delivers verdicts even before investigation, decides punishment and holds press conferences. This, he said, is Congress’s double character. He further asked Congress to clarify who decided to regularise Pramod Nautiyal in 2014, who created the new post of ‘Personal Assistant, Chairman’s Office’ and why the notices issued by the then chairman were not explained to the public. If everything was clear, why was the explanation deferred until after elections. He accused Congress of trying to divert the issue by saying “thieves have no caste”, while BJP has never defended any guilty person on the basis of caste or position. BJP believes the guilty must be punished, but Congress is casting aspersions on the entire community of temple priests. He demanded that Congress clarify whether its fight is against corruption or against Sanatan.
Chauhan also asserted that the Congress’s history is evident, from opposing the Ram temple to remaining silent on derogatory remarks against Sanatan, from questioning the Hindu faith to now attempting to politicise a sacred matter like Badrinath Dham. He described this as not merely political opportunism but an insult to the faith of crores of devotees. He alleged that the Congress’s model has always been corruption, undermining faith, appeasement, advocating a Muslim university in Devbhoomi and burying inquiry files when corruption is exposed. The BJP leader asserted that the BJP’s policy is clear that the faith is paramount, the law is paramount and that an impartial inquiry will be conducted on any irregularity, action will be taken against the guilty and no one will be considered above the law. This, he said, is the fundamental difference between BJP and Congress, as BJP acts while Congress covers up allegations and remains silent when questions arise.
