Gadhadhar heritage temple damage: Congress questions RSS-BJP silence, seeks accountability

Congress has raised serious questions over the “silence” of BJP-RSS over the issue of massive damage to the historic Gadhadhar temple of great religious importance at Mubarak Mandi due to the sheer negligence and unprofessional execution and huge excavations in the complex contrary to the norms for protected monuments. The party has demanded a white paper on the Mubarak Mandi Dogra heritage Complex, the funds spent so far, future planning the agencies involved in the execution with future road map.

Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan PCC Head Quarters Jammu today, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, EX-MLC I/C HQ Ved Mahajan, Senior Leader  & EX-DCC President Manmohan Singh alongwith local leaders Chander Shekhar, Atul Sharma, Ram Magotra, Virinder Kumar  and Pawan Sharma questioned the silence of BJP-RSS over the most important issue of religious sanctity of Hindus and the heritage of Dogras. Two days after  the incident, BJP is silent and missing and the local MLA was seen defending officials more than listening to the grievances of the locals and residents of the area, who are hurt and suffering for several years due to mismanagement and poor planning and  ruthless execution, said Raman Bhalla.

Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma raised concern over the destruction and removal of historic Chabutra, the symbol of Lok Adalat during Maharaja rule.  How can a declared protected Monument of Dogra identity and culture be dealt with in such a ruthless manner,  without sharing  any road map or details with the stakeholders and in the absence of experts. The deep digging and excavations adjacent to the over 200 years old temple and buildings itself is the proof of recklessness and ill-planed execution.

“They are eying the estate and commercial aspects, only instead of achieving the goal of preservation of Dogra heritage. For years the work is going on in the complex and the people in the surroundings are suffering numerous civic, transport and water problems but no one is listening to them and BJP is not bothered except votes, in the name of religious sentiments and Dogras but when comes question of fixing accountability they turn deaf years and shut their eyes”, Sharma said.

What can be more cruel joke with Dogra heritage and city of temples that is happening with most prestigious heritage in full public view quite in violation of norms. Hence a white paper be issued with full details of spending, funds available, the agencies  and contractors

Involved,  the future roadmap and planning and the condition of the civic amenities and other facilities for localities around. Huge changes and modifications and destructions have been caused.

They declared to take up the issue with LG today evening during a meeting and said that congress shall not allow the Dogra heritage to be destroyed by the vested interests with criminal silence and connivance of BJP.

The party demanded immediate enquiry and restoration work to repair the damage caused besides to ease facilities for the people of the locality.

Meanwhile, the Dogra Sadar Sabha has also expressed concern on the damage caused to the heritage.