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The BJP leader said in the exclusive interview that he had made the demand on social media and Hindu religious leaders should come forward and work together on this
Hindu temple property is under threat in some places, said Das. File pic/X
Sudhangshu Das, Tripura’s minister of welfare of scheduled castes, has demanded a Sanatan Board for Hindus similar to the Waqf Board for Muslims. In an exclusive interview with News18, the 38-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader elaborated on his reasons and his concerns about the religious properties of the Hindu community in India as well as neighbouring Bangladesh. Edited excerpts:
Why did you say that a Sanatan Board was needed?
My intention is clear. If there is such a board for a particular community, then why not one for us in the majority community? There are thousands and thousands of temples and also properties attached to them. A Sanatan Board can protect our temples and these properties.
Already a lot of the properties of the majority community have been grabbed, including many structures and various places. In certain cases, we cannot go to court to claim those. If one particular community can protect its properties, then why can’t we?
Do you think there is a threat?
We saw what happened in Andhra Pradesh, with the adulterated Tirupati laddus. Non-Hindus had been allowed in and this hurts Hindu sentiments. How can such things happen?
Do you plan to write to the central government with your demand?
I demanded this on social media. I may send a letter to the government. I feel all Hindu religious leaders should come forward and work together on this because this is absolutely necessary in today’s scenario. Hindus should come forward as well.
Does your demand have anything to do with what is going on in Bangladesh?
Things are very bad in Bangladesh. We are very concerned and I want the Indian government to take steps. This all started in 1946. A dangerous mentality exists there. They don’t tolerate other religions. Look at how they are behaving with ISKCON. They have usurped the land of minorities there. Yes, I am influenced by that to some extent.
Why do you think this is required now in India?
In India, Hindu temple property is under threat in some places. There are areas where Hindus are becoming a minority. What’s happening in West Bengal? In some areas, people are losing land. Many are leaving their homes. A lot of temples are there, so we should protect them.
Has the party spoken to you about this?
I know my government will support me and the Sanatani people. We are not against any other religion but people want to see all this end. I will respect other religions but they have to respect ours.
