MUMBAI: Central Railway (CR) on Saturday stayed demolition of five unauthorised temples outside Dadar station amid escalating opposition from Sena UBT, later leading to protests from BJP members as well.
Sena UBT criticised the demolition notices soon after they were issued on December 4. On Friday, party chief Uddhav Thackeray raised the pitch by accusing BJP of “electoral Hindutva” and saying it failed to protect Hindu temples, including a 80-year-old Hanuman temple on CR premises. He announced a ‘maha-aarti’ at the temple Saturday.
However, Saturday afternoon, BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced a stay on the demolition. As party workers gathered outside the Hanuman temple, BJP functionaries, including Lodha and Kirit Somaiya, offered prayers. In the evening, a maha-aarti was conducted by Sena UBT’s Aaditya Thackeray, who was accompanied by senior party members, including Sanjay Raut.
With BMC polls approaching and Hindutva issue on electoral agenda, both parties tried to take credit for the stay. “Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar and I spoke to railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Members of Bajrang Dal and VHP also spoke to him. A stay has been issued, and prayers can continue at the temple,” said Lodha. Taking a dig at Sena UBT, he said, “What is the need for a maha-aarti when a stay has already been issued? This is nothing but politics.”
After emerging from maha-aarti, Aaditya said, “The demolition was stayed because Uddhav Thackeray made it an issue. You can see what happens when our party puts its strength behind something. We have exposed the double-face of BJP, which uses Hindutva on a use-and-throw basis. They are responsible for demolition of many ancient temples.” He said builders bought land at profitable rates around Ayodhya temple. He added that the demolition order cannot only be stayed, but has to be withdrawn.
The demolition notices, dated Dec 4, were issued by CR’s assistant divisional engineer (Mumbai division), directing removal of the five temples within seven days for obstructing commuter movement and delaying redevelopment of Dadar station.