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BJP strongly opposes replacement of Indian priests from Pashupatinath

The main opposition party of India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the replacement of Indian priests from Pashupatinath temple.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the BJP President Rajnath Singh has expressed concern over the "forced replacement of Indian priests by the Maoists to install their own appointed priests."

"The BJP President had a telephonic conversation with the Nepal President Shri Ram Baran Yadav and the Prime Minster, Shri Prachanda and sought immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing crisis. They assured him that they will look into this matter and take necessary steps," the release adds.

Highlighting the significance of Pashupatinath Mandir in the Indian subcontinent the BJP President said, "The Pashupatinath Mandir is a holy shrine visited by thousands of devotees every year from India, Nepal and other countries of the world.

The Indian priests have led prayers at the historic Pashupatinath Mandir for the past three centuries and this tradition signifies the cultural bonds shared by India and Nepal. The ongoing crisis has resulted into an unprecedented situation at the temple and even the regular prayer was disrupted due to it. "

Referring to the order of Nepal Supreme Court Shri Singh said, "The removal of Indian priests from the Pashupatinath Mandir is not only in complete defiance of the Supreme Court order but it has also hurt the sentiments of people in India."

"By removing the Indian priests the Maoist forces have not only dealt a body blow to the centuries old traditions of the temple but also trying to undermine the inherent Indo-Nepalese cultural ties", he added. nepalnews,com Jan 03 08