VHP Launches Nationwide Campaign to Free Hindu Temples from Government Control

Kumar Rakesh
New Delhi, 26th Dec. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a nationwide public awakening campaign to liberate Hindu temples from government control. Addressing the press on Thursday, VHP Organizing General Secretary Milind Parande stated that starting January 5, 2025, the organization will lead an all-India awareness drive under the guidance of revered Sant Samaj and Hindu society leaders.

The campaign, titled ‘Haindava Shankhaaraavam’, will be launched with a massive gathering in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, aiming to mobilize lakhs of people to highlight the issue. Shri Parande criticized the continued government control of Hindu temples, calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional, especially when no such oversight exists for mosques or churches.

Criticism of Government Actions

Parande accused various state governments of disregarding Articles 12, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution by controlling temple management and properties. “Despite clear directions from several High Courts and the Supreme Court, governments have continued their occupation of temples, which is anti-Hindu and should have ended post-independence,” he said.

Think Tank and Proposed Reforms

To address temple management issues, VHP has established a Think Tank comprising legal experts, retired judges, Sant Samaj leaders, and VHP activists. The group has drafted protocols for transferring temple management back to Hindu society. The plan includes forming Dharmic Councils at the state and district levels, comprising Dharmacharyas, retired judges, and experts in Hindu scriptures.

These councils would oversee temple management, appoint trustees, and resolve disputes. The VHP has also submitted a draft law to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and is engaging with other state governments and political parties to promote the initiative.

Key Demands

As part of the campaign, the VHP has outlined several demands to ensure temples are managed exclusively by practicing Hindus:

• Removal of non-Hindus employed in temples and endowment departments.
• Prohibition of politicians and politically affiliated individuals from serving on temple trust boards.
• Allocation of temple income solely for Dharma propagation and societal service.
• Eviction of illegal encroachments on temple lands.
• Exclusivity of Hindu ownership for shops inside and outside temple premises.

Memorandum to Governors

The VHP had previously submitted a memorandum on September 30, 2024, to all state governors, urging governments to withdraw from temple management. The organization emphasized that freeing temples would ensure the protection of their movable and immovable assets and enable their proper use for the service of Hindu society.

The campaign marks a critical step in the VHP’s long-standing demand to restore temple autonomy and protect Hindu heritage. With increasing public support, the initiative aims to pressurize governments to implement reforms in temple governance.