VHP to launch nationwide ‘Mandir Mukti’ campaign to free Hindu temples from government control

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug. 7, 2026: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar on Thursday announced that the organisation would launch a nationwide campaign seeking to free Hindu temples from government control.

Speaking to reporters at Vishwashree, Alok Kumar said the proposed ‘Mandir Mukti’ (Temple Liberation) movement would be as strong and widespread as the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

“If temples across the country were freed from government administration, around ₹1,000 crore could be saved annually,” he said.

Alok Kumar argued that revenues generated by mosques, gurdwaras and places of worship belonging to other religions do not go to government treasuries, while income from Hindu temples is used for various public purposes. He said the VHP had held detailed discussions on the issue and prepared plans for the nationwide campaign.

On reports of alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said it was inappropriate to use the issue to malign Hindu saints. He alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had encouraged such a narrative and said the public would respond politically.

He said the VHP had supported an investigation into the matter under the supervision of the Supreme Court and expressed hope that those found guilty would be punished by the end of 2026.

Alok Kumar also stressed the need to formalise temple administration and ensure complete financial transparency to strengthen devotees’ confidence in temple management.

“What has happened cannot be undone, but such incidents should never recur,” he said.

Commenting on protests over the alleged question paper leak, Alok Kumar said public demonstrations against the issue were justified. However, he alleged that some individuals had misused the protests in the name of students, journalists and farmers to create unrest.

Citing the Delhi Police, he claimed that 2,900 individuals with criminal backgrounds had been identified using nearly 1,000 CCTV cameras during the protests.

He also criticised some of the slogans and statements made during the demonstrations, describing them as offensive.

VHP leaders Prof. M.B. Puranik, Sharan Pumpwell, Shivananda Mendan, Gopal Kuttar and Purushottam were also present at the press conference.