HP chief minister justifies Raghunath temple takeover

SHIMLA: Chief minister Virbhadra Singh has justified his government’s decision to take control of the Lord Raghunath temple, located within the premises of Sultanpur palace in Kullu, saying that the government’s decision was influenced by public clamour.

“The demand for government control over temple grew more after the theft in Lord Raghunath temple in 2014. The theft raised questions about the safety and security of the antiques. The decision to take over Raghunathji temple was taken in public interest,” the Himachal chief minister told a group of media persons on Thursday.

Virbhadra also clarified that it was wrong on part of Maheshwar Singh, erstwhile Kullu scion and Himachal Lokhit Party leader, to the blame his younger brother and Ayurveda minister Karan Singh for the takeover. “Karan Singh should not be blamed. The demand came from the public,” the chief minister said.

“Nobody can claim that the temple is private. Deities assemble around lord Raghunath on Dussehra, which is a public event,” he said.

“I don’t know what the basis is for the claim that the temple is private. There is already a Punjab high court ruling that says the temple in question is a public property,” Virbhadra said.

“If Maheshwar does not allow the takeover of the temple located within the premises of Sultanpur palace, then another temple dedicated to Lord Raghunath will be built elsewhere in Kullu,” said Virbhadra Singh. Asked about the public resentment and particularly by dev samaj (deity culture), the chief minister said, “I think that even the deities must be happy with the government decision.”

› If Maheshwar does not allow the takeover of a temple located on the premises of Sultanpur palace, then another beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Raghunath will be built elsewhere in Kullu. VIRBHDARA SINGH, chief minister