Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 31 Jan: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today emphasised that any decision related to the entry of non-Hindus into the sacred Dhams must be taken in accordance with religious faith and the spiritual image of Devbhoomi. State BJP President and Rajya Sabha member Mahendra Bhatt, while strongly criticising recent statements made by Congress leaders on the issue, claimed that those who fail to understand the difference between pilgrimage and tourism reduce the significance of the Char Dham only to economics.
Responding to the debate over the entry of non-Sanatanis into the Char Dham after similar discussions in Haridwar, Bhatt said that public religious sentiment, belief and long-established traditions must be respected. He stated that, if Teerth Purohits, the local priests, other stakeholders or devotees associated with these sacred shrines wish to frame rules regarding entry, there is nothing objectionable in such a move. He added that similar restrictions already exist at many places through public consent and cooperation. Questioning the intent of people who lack faith, belief or any religious connection with these sites, Bhatt asked why they should visit such places at all. He said temples are centres of collective public worship and no one should be allowed to indulge in impractical behaviour or disturb the sanctity of the atmosphere in the name of sightseeing.
Bhatt also took strong exception to the remarks made by Congress leaders, particularly PCC Chief Ganesh Godiyal, for comparing the Char Dham with casual travel destinations. He said the opposition appears to have no association with Sanatan traditions, which is why it fails to differentiate between pilgrimage and tourism. He accused the Congress of giving priority to economic considerations while undermining the sanctity and traditions of the Char Dham. While acknowledging the significant contribution of the Char Dham Yatra to the state’s economy, Bhatt maintained that all activities and arrangements within the sacred shrines must remain rooted in a Sanatani framework. He recalled that, since the formation of Uttarakhand, pilgrimage has been accorded equal importance with tourism in keeping with public sentiment.
The BJP leader said that although Uttarakhand has immense tourism potential, visits to religious sites must be governed strictly by faith and tradition, which is what essentially defines a pilgrimage. He expressed surprise and disappointment over the stand taken by state Congress leaders on such sensitive issues, alleging that they claim to represent Uttarakhandiyat while opposing every Sanatani decision. He said the Congress objects to entry regulations at religious places, opposes the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and anti-conversion laws, and refuses to take a stand against illegal religious encroachments, thereby damaging the image of sacred sites instead of contributing to their development.
Referring to issues related to maintaining demography and action against Love Jihad and Land Jihad, Bhatt further claimed that the Congress leaders in Devbhoomi, who claim to champion local culture, are the ones who consistently create obstacles. He concluded by stating that the nationalist and Sanatan-believing people of the state are closely observing the mindset of the Congress and the opposition and that they will once again deliver democratic punishment to these ‘political Kalnemis’, as they have done in the past.
