The Chandni Chowk Hanuman temple is back!
The Hanuman temple that was razed after the Delhi High Court order has been replaced by another Hanuman temple overnight. We all can very much remember the political and public outrage after the demolition was accomplished about one and a half months back. Both the BJP and AAP had blamed each other for the cause of this demolition. There should not have been such debate between the two parties because development is before religious sentiments. The prestigious High Court’s order would not have been if the demolition was not a necessity. I hope both these political parties pay proper respect to the Indian judiciary.
The new temple was constructed allegedly by the residents of Chandni Chowk and Ram Bhakts. As per the media reports, the temple was built between 3am and 4:30am before the daybreak. Neither the BJP nor the AAP claims to have built this temple. The BJP, however, openly advocates the reconstruction of the temple. They said they are ready to fight anyone who will oppose this religious work. The AAP party cannot afford to hurt the Hindu sentiment and they, too, supported the temple. However, there was no comment from the redevelopment corporation that was tasked to modernise and beautify Chandni Chowk.
This news on the internet baffled me and I could not stop myself from voicing out my concerns about this matter. The first problem is: how could people be so obstinate about their religious values? People of Chandni Chowk have put development on the backfoot. Did this situation not account for contempt of court? Imagine if a mosque was razed for any such development project and the Muslim community had reconstructed it.
Would the BJP and AAP have valued the sentiments of the community then? I guess the situation would have been much different. For now, I assume no political power in Delhi will try to even say a word against the temple. I find the link to all these in the MCD elections, which are going to be held next year. Any party calling the temple an illegal construction would be deemed “anti-Hindu”.
The BJP, which is always vocal about its Hindu ideology, will undoubtedly try to give the Municipal Corporation election a religious slant. I hope that during the elections, road development, sanitation and other development projects are not given a tone of religion. I wish the real issues of the people are given prime focus rather than playing a sentimental card to win polls.
Jai Shree Ram.
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