Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took serious exception to the discovery that the coffers of the Banke Bihari temple contained only a few utensils and several silver items.
Coming out in support of the temple, Yadav urged the BJP government to “leave the temple’s treasuries alone.”
The temple’s treasury was recently opened after 54 years, revealing a relatively modest collection of silver items and utensils.
“I have made a heartfelt appeal to the BJP government… Please, at the very least, leave the temple treasuries alone… Such avarice doesn’t look good. It’s truly unfortunate,” Yadav said in a post on his WhatsApp channel.
The temple’s treasury was opened on the orders of a high-power committee, sparking controversy over the government’s intentions. While some expected to find valuable jewels and artifacts, the actual contents were largely limited to silver items and utensils.
Yadav’s comments come amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of the temple’s affairs. The SP chief has been vocal about his concerns over the government’s alleged attempts to exploit temple funds and resources.
“We need to respect the sentiments and traditions of the temple and its devotees. The government should focus on the welfare of the people rather than getting involved in controversies over temple treasuries,” Yadav said.
The Banke Bihari temple, located in Vrindavan, Mathura, is a revered site that attracts thousands of devotees every year. The controversy over its treasury has sparked a heated debate about the role of the government in managing religious institutions.