BJP worker removes bust from Maha ‘Modi temple’

THE ROADSIDE temple was constructed by a BJP activist Mayur Munde at the cost of `1.6 lakh. Built with red stone and marble, it had a bust of Mr Modi installed in it.

Within just four days of its inauguration, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi temple constructed at Aundh in Pune by a BJP worker was closed down following heavy criticism from all quarters.

The roadside temple was constructed by a BJP activist Mayur Munde at the cost of `1.6 lakh. Built with red stone and marble, it had a bust of Mr Modi installed in it. But the statue was removed late night on Wednesday and the temple structure was covered with plastic sheets.

The temple was inaugurated on the occasion of Independence Day. “I have built this temple as a mark of respect to the Prime Minister. After becoming PM, Modi has done a lot of developmental work and dealt with issues such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, Ram Mandir construction and triple talaq successfully,” Mr Munde had said during the inauguration.

Within no time, the temple had become a talk of the town as well as a subject of controversy in the Pune city. The initiative also came in for sharp criticism from the opposition parties, who termed it as an ‘intellectual bankruptcy.’

Faced with widespread criticism, the bust was finally removed from the temple overnight, but Mr Munde remained unavailable for his comment.

Meanwhile, NCP workers staged a mock protest outside the temple on Thursday morning. “Optimism had prevailed in the city that now (after construction of the temple for Modi), the fuel prices would come down, inflation would dip and people will get `15 lakh in their accounts. However, we came here and saw that the ‘god’ is missing from the temple,” NCP city unit chief Prashant Jagtap said sarcastically.

According to sources, the decision to remove the bust was taken after an objection from the Prime Minister’s office. Mr Munde was also reportedly pulled up by the party leadership for his act.