New Delhi: The process of forming the Sanatan Board continues to face delays due to lack of consensus between the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and religious leaders and to resolve this senior leaders of the outfit and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday will hold talks with saints and religious leaders.
Chief of 13 akharas and all four Shankaracharyas have also been invited for the meeting that will take will at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
VHP’s central executive committee meeting and deliberations with saints and religious leaders are expected to focus on the proposals received about the Sanatan Board. Ahead of the ‘Dharm Sansad on January 27, RSS and VHP leaders will hold further discussions with religious leaders to attempt and incorporate suggestions and opinions.
VHP’s stance on temples governance
The VHP maintains that freeing temples from government control is essential. However, it opposes managing temples through a centralised board, advocating instead for temples to operate under their respective trusts. The organisation proposes that temples associated with different sects and communities under Sanatan Dharma should be managed by followers of the respective traditions.
The VHP has also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in temple trust governance and recommends:
- Representation of women in temple trusts.
- Inclusion of Dalit representatives in temple trust boards.
- Establishing a transparent system for managing temple finances.
VHP chief on Sanatan Board
Speaking to TV9 Bharatvarsh, VHP President Alok Kumar emphasised the need for further dialogue with religious leaders before making any decisions on the Sanatan Board.
“The decision on forming a Sanatan Board will be taken after thorough discussions with religious leaders. The Dharm Sansad will also address the demand for a Sanatan Board and the proposal to bring temples under its purview. However, more clarity is required about the content and structure of such a board. We will make efforts to understand it thoroughly and then decide,” Kumar said.
As discussions progress, the VHP aims to balance its vision for temple independence with the input and approval of religious leaders. The upcoming Dharm Sansad is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
