On Thursday, 26 December, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced the launch of a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at advocating for the liberation of Hindu temples from government control. Scheduled to begin on 5 January 2025, the initiative will be inaugurated in Vijayawada, as confirmed by VHP Organising General Secretary Milind Parande.

“Under the leadership of the revered seer community and the leading figures of Hindu society, we are going to start a countrywide public awareness campaign for the liberation of temples from government control,” said Parande, addressing the media in Delhi.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has established a specialised think tank to formulate protocols for the management of Hindu temples and address related disputes. This panel includes retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, legal experts, and prominent religious leaders, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced approach to temple governance.

“The draft has also kept in view the protocols that would be put in place when governments return the temples to Hindu society,” Parande added.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also called for the exclusion of non-Hindus from employment in temples and endowment departments. VHP Organising General Secretary Milind Parande emphasised that “only practising Hindus with faith should be involved in worship, offerings and temple services.” He further stated that no politicians or individuals with political affiliations should be appointed to temple trust boards or management positions.

To ensure effective temple management, the VHP has proposed the creation of a ‘Dharmic Council’ at the state level. These councils, comprising individuals holding constitutional positions, will oversee temple governance. They will also elect district-level councils, which will subsequently select trustees for local temples.

“Various sections of society, including scheduled castes and tribes, would participate,” Parande said.

Parande further demanded that shops located within and around temple premises be owned exclusively by Hindus. He also called for the removal of encroachments and illegal constructions on temple lands by non-Hindus to safeguard the sanctity and assets of these religious sites.

“The income of temples should be spent only for the propagation of Hindu Dharma, for the service to society, and related issues, and never for government work,” he asserted.

The VHP stated it is committed to addressing the “discriminatory” control of temples and returning their management to devout members of Hindu society.