Mohan Bhagwat's advice in focus amid temple-mosque disputes

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has raised hackles with his advice against raking up temple-mosque disputes, especially in Uttar Pradesh.

- Sunita Aron

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has raised hackles with his advice against raking up temple-mosque disputes, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The advice ahead of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad, the highest body of 13 Akhadas (Hindu monastic organisations), is likely to take a position on issues, which may include the growing claims of Hindus on temples Muslim rulers allegedly demolished to build mosques.

The RSS chief's statement came against the backdrop of violence in Sambhal over the survey of the Shahi Masjid that emperor Babur said to have been built in 1529 after demolishing a temple. The Akhada Parishad may take a divergent view.

On December 19, Bhagwat said the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was built to respect the sentiments of the Hindus but to use it to become a "Hindu leader" was unacceptable.

Several parishad members have appreciated chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and he may once again muster their support for his ongoing campaign to restore historical temples.

Swami Jitendranand Saraswati criticised the RSS chief's remarks, saying despite Bhagwat's similar comments in the past, temple structures have been identified at 56 sites, signalling sustained interest in the contentious issues. He emphasised that religious organisations often align their actions with public sentiment rather than political agendas.

The efforts to reclaim the Kashi and Mathura temples is the other contentious issue on which the Akhada Parishad may take a contrary view.