Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

Jai Maharashtra !

I write this letter with a lot of disappointment and disillusionment.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi has somehow slipped into a standstill mode on certain issues. I do wonder if the government is in a trance or daze and has turned a deaf ear to the reverent sentiments of Hindus. The unlocking process is on with the various phases marked by ‘unlock 1-2-3..’

Malls have been opened, public gatherings up to 100 people have been allowed. Amidst this, the god loving devotees are still being kept away from their God. Why is there such a resistance to opening up temples?

When due to the coronavirus pandemic all services and businesses were closed except the essential ones; we wholeheartedly supported the government in its decision to keep religious places closed. However, now when the process of normalisation has begun, why are the temples in Maharashtra still closed? If the government is easing out the rules for malls and public gatherings and has formulated a set of protocols, the same can be done for the entry into temples as well.

During this pandemic, be it the Aashadi Wari, Govinda and the Ganesh Utsov, the Hindus of our state have exhibited tremendous understanding and maturity. They adhered to the rules and regulations set by the government with utmost sincerity.

If the government decides to open up the temples, I have full faith, that my Hindu brothers and sisters will meticulously abide by the protocols set by the government.

Opening up the temples is not just pertaining to the devotees coming and praying there, one has to look at it holistically. There are ‘pujaris’ involved, in and around temples, there are various shops selling ‘puja requirements’. In short, it is also a small business sector. Why is the government not considering their livelihood?

Recently, the priests from Trimbakeshwar came to meet me and voiced their sufferings. A temple is the focal point for many small towns and they form the basis of the economic inputs into the towns. If this very chain is broken, who are they going to pray to?

Last four months, we have witnessed a tremendous economic upheaval. Businesses are shut, so many have lost their jobs, people are burdened with huge losses. Keeping this scenario in mind, its time, that the government starts easing out the restrictions laid down. Public transport needs to be systematically opened and the pace of boosting the economy should be accelerated. This is what the common man expects. So many petitions and requests have been made by the common man to the government. They have vented their grief and sufferings and sadly it’s been overlooked. The government stands unfazed and self engrossed. The citizens need solace and a prayer to God, to save them from this catastrophe.

I firmly believe, that the government should not be an obstacle between God and it’s devotees.
By keeping the opening of temples last on the list, is not a sign of progression. Instead, they need to set out practical protocols for the opening of temples. However, if the government ignores the pleas of the people in this respect, we will then have to put aside the restrictions laid and march ahead to see our God.

I have full faith that the government will look into this matter on an urgent basis and will not be a hurdle between God and and the reverent sentiments of the devotees.

Humbly yours,
Raj Thackeray