In a landmark decision, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has announced to free 51 temples and shrines, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri from government control. The newly appointed CM has overturned the decision taken by his predecessor Trivendra Singh Rawat.
"There will be a review on the decision of formation of Char Dham Devasthanam Board. State government's management over 51 prominent temples to be removed," he said. The decision comes after major temples protested against the state takeover and registered their protest with the CM.
Around 51 shrines were under the direct control of the state government after Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent to the Char Dham Devsthanam Management Bill which was passed during the winter session of the Assembly. Justifying the passage of the new act, Trivendra Singh Rawat had said the new act will help in the professional management of the shrines.
Priests and monks from the Himalayan state were furious with the BJP government for passing the law saying they have been managing the affairs of these temples for generations which were set up by their ancestors. Priest of the Gangotri shrine Rajnikant Semwal had even met Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders.
