Uttarakhand BJP leader Asha Nautiyal's comments calling for restrictions on the entry of non-Hindus to the Kedarnath temple have sparked controversy.
The Kedarnath MLA claimed that certain non-Hindu individuals are attempting to undermine the sanctity of the religious site. In response, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat criticized BJP leaders, accusing them of routinely making sensational statements.
Nautiyal said to ANI, "Some non-Hindu elements are trying to harm the sanctity of Kedarnath Dham." When questioned about reports of meat, fish, and alcohol being served in the area, she suggested that the matter could only be clarified through a proper investigation.
"If some people are doing anything that may malign the image of Kedarnath Dham, then their entry should be banned. They are definitely non-Hindus who come from outside and get involved in such activities to defame the dham," she said.
Nautiyal mentioned that a recent meeting on the matter was held by minister-in-charge Saurabh Bahuguna with local authorities and residents.
During the meeting, some participants suggested that certain non-Hindu individuals were attempting to tarnish Kedarnath temple's reputation, she said, adding that it was proposed that such individuals should be identified and barred from entering the site.
Reacting to Nautiyal's remarks, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat said, "It is a habit of the BJP leaders to make sensational remarks. Uttarakhand is a 'devbhoomi' and how long will you attach everything with religion? They are doing this because they don't have anything to tell people."
The Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin from April 30 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, when the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will be opened.
