Click to play videoNew Delhi: The world famous Pashupatinath temple is in the eye of a political storm and its junior priests are carrying on a signature campaign protesting what they say is forcible eviction by Maoists.
On Sunday, at least 10 people were injured as a scuffle erupted on the temple premises. A group of people, alleged to be Maoists attacked Rajbhandaris who were staging a protest. Rajbhandaris traditionally been assisting priests during worship
“I hold the Maoists responsible; this is an affront to all Hindus. They want to control the temple,” says Upendra Yadav.
Yadav is playing the madheshi card- his voters are descendants of Indian migrants to Nepal. He says the eviction is a violation of a Supreme Court order. Prachand has pleaded ignorance about the court order while claiming the priests resigned voluntarily and his senior party and cabinet colleague says it is only proper for Nepali priests to officiate.
Meanwhile, shaken by the rising anger at home and abroad, Nepal's Maoist government announced a three month long nationwide yatra to maintain religious harmony
“It should not be taken as anti India - it’s obvious that Nepali priests should be at Pashupatinath if the south Indians have resigned,” says Hisila.
Sensing a political opportunity are the BJP and the deposed monarch Gyanendra. Gyanendra has advised all to desist from politics the BJP wants the Indian Govt to intervene.
“This is not an internal matter of Nepal, this affects cultural and religious ties between India and Nepal, says BJP President, Rajnath Singh.
And even though India’s traditional ally the Nepali congress is also opposing the move, south block is unlikely to step in.
The UPA won’t want to be seen to be caving in to the BJP's hindutva agenda neither will it want to jeopardise a delicate relationship with a neighbour which historically has been prickly about big brother India.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
 |
 |
 |
|
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.