Uttarakhand BJP MLA calls to ban 'non-Hindus' at Kedarnath temple
What's the story
BJP leader Asha Nautiyal has triggered a major row by suggesting a ban on "non-Hindus" inside the Kedarnath Temple and its vicinity.
The Congress party has condemned her statement, calling it unfortunate.
Nautiyal's proposal came to light in a press interaction on Sunday (March 16), where she alleged that non-Hindus were hurting local faith by indulging in activities that offended the sentiments of locals.
Local sentiment
Nautiyal cites local concerns for her proposal
In her defense, Nautiyal claimed she had taken locals' opinions, who said non-Hindus were hurting religious sentiments.
Since people from the world come to worship Baba Kedar, it was appropriate to bar non-Hindus from visiting the temple, she argued.
The MLA further alleged local businessmen were also in support and called for discouraging such activities.
Political backlash
Congress party condemns Nautiyal's remarks
The Congress has hit out at Nautiyal's remarks, alleging she is trying to secure political mileage through such statements.
A party leader said morality cannot be dictated by religion, and reminded the Nautiyal of her oath under the constitution to treat all citizens equally under law.
He asked why only minorities were being targeted when she could use her position to check improper conduct instead.
Harish Rawat's response
Former CM criticizes BJP leaders for controversial statements
Former CM and Congress leader Harish Rawat too slammed Nautiyal's remarks, saying it was par for the course for BJP leaders to make sensational comments.
He asked why everything in Uttarakhand needed to be connected to religion, a state famously termed "devbhoomi" (land of gods).
Rawat said such comments were a reflection of the party's failure to tackle critical issues plaguing the state.