Bengaluru (Karnataka): In a program held at Udupi, Dr. V. S. Acharya, the Minister for ‘Mujrai’ unabashedly admitted that there was no such order issued by the Supreme Court for demolishing temples. Dr. Acharya said further, “The Court had asked to check the plan and authority-letter of temples. The Government had instructed Administration to shift the temples, in a peaceful manner, that were creating obstacles in traffic only after discussing the matter with respective temple committees. It was also instructed that where temples are made just by smearing ‘kumkum’ on some stone which had no traditional value, should also be shifted after discussing with those people who have constructed such temples; but the officers misconstrued the instructions and without issuing ‘show cause’ notice, issued notice to demolish temples creating chaos.” In the beginning of this program, Shri. Vishweshteertha, the ‘Pejavar Muthadhish’ said, “The Government should, rather than demolishing temples, amend the Act so that nobody’s sentiments are hurt.”
......Then the Govt. should re-construct the demolished temples as atonement ! – Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS)
5000 temples were branded as ‘unauthorized’ by interpreting the Supreme Court order in a wrong manner. Later, the Government took sudden initiative in demolishing even those temples about which there was no controversy. HJS tried to stage agitations all over the State to warn the Government. Despite this, the Government committed the sin of demolishing more than 250 temples. The idols from these temples were broken and thrown on the roads. The Government kept mum, like ‘Dhrutarashtra-Gandhari’, although it realized that it was a wrong action. Now awareness has been created among Hindus due to HJS agitation and the Government is trying to cover up the matter by admitting that there was no order by the Supreme Court. HJS condemns this action and demands that the Government should re-construct the demolished temples by recovering money from the concerned officers. – Mr. Mohan Gauda, spokesperson, HJS, Karnataka
