“BJP Claims to Protect Sanatan, Yet Targets Temples,” Alleges Digvijaya Singh

Bhopal: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the state government, accusing it of acting against Hindu temples while projecting itself as a protector of Sanatan traditions. He alleged that the government is attempting to auction temple lands, directly violating constitutional provisions as well as Supreme Court and High Court rulings.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said that under a government order dated April 22, 2023, instructions have been issued to auction muafi (endowment) lands measuring more than 10 acres. Based on this order, notices are allegedly being served to priests across the state, creating panic among temple communities.

Notice Issued to Temple Priest

Singh cited a specific case from Kyapur village in Aron tehsil of Guna district, where the priest of the Shri Ram Janki Temple, Pradyumn Das, reportedly received a notice mentioning the proposed auction of temple land.

He informed the media that the Madhya Pradesh Pujari Utthan Evam Kalyan Samiti had challenged such actions in the Supreme Court, and the appeal was admitted by the apex court.

Supreme Court Rulings Ignored

Referring to a landmark Supreme Court order dated September 6, 2021 (Civil Appeal No. 4850/2021), Digvijaya Singh said the apex court had categorically ruled that land registered in the name of a deity cannot be auctioned, nor can it be transferred in the name of the district collector or the state government.

“Despite this clear directive, the state government has initiated steps to auction temple lands, which is not only illegal but also unconstitutional,” Singh asserted.

“Attack on Priests’ Livelihoods”

Singh argued that temple lands are not government property, but are recorded in revenue records in the name of deities. These lands are traditionally used by priests for conducting religious rituals, daily worship, and sustaining their families.

He termed the proposed auctions as an assault on Sanatan traditions and an attack on the livelihood of priests who have served temples for generations.

High Court Also Issued Directions

The former Chief Minister further pointed out that the Madhya Pradesh High Court, in its order dated October 11, 2023 (Writ Petition No. 20819/2023), had also directed the state government to strictly comply with the Supreme Court’s rulings.

“Yet the same government that claims to be the guardian of Sanatan culture is ignoring court orders and striking at the very foundations of temples and priestly traditions,” Singh alleged.

“No Moral or Legal Right”

Digvijaya Singh emphasized that temple lands were not granted through government charity, and therefore the state has neither a moral nor a legal right to seize or auction them.

“The BJP government must explain how it can call itself the protector of Sanatan while systematically undermining temples and those who serve them,” he said, demanding an immediate rollback of the auction process.

The issue is likely to intensify political debate in the state, with temple land rights and adherence to judicial orders now emerging as a major flashpoint.