Congress Leader Sparks Outrage with Call to Sell Temple Gold, Ignoring Waqf Land Grabs
During a televised debate on November 10, Congress leader Kamru Zzaman Choudhury made a statement that has since sparked outrage. Criticizing the funds allocated for the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025, Kamru suggested selling temple gold to cover India’s debt, citing the supposed misuse of public funds for Hindu festivals. His remarks come at a time when other issues, including Waqf Board land grabs, remain largely unaddressed by Congress leaders.
The Controversy Over Temple Gold
The debate centered on the allocation of Rs 6,382 crore by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Maha Kumbh, a sacred Hindu festival held every twelve years in Prayagraj. While conveniently ignoring the revenue generated by the Kumb of up to Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state economy.
Kamru argued that temple gold could serve the country better if sold to address India’s financial debt. He claimed that such funds are frequently mishandled by organizers for events like the Maha Kumbh and Ram Mandir, suggesting that the funds aren’t used appropriately for the community.
Maha Kumbh Expenditure Politics
We all respect what the Maha Kumbh represents, but in its name Maha Kumbh, thousands of crores have been siphoned by the organizers…: @Kamru_Choudhury
Watch as @pradip103 & @Sanjaygupta307 respond.@thenewshour | @RoyPranesh pic.twitter.com/bwvEPBrtjp
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 10, 2024
When Times Now anchor Pranesh Kumar Roy pressed Kamru for evidence of these alleged misuses, the Congress leader shifted his stance, avoiding specifics. This shift led the anchor to question Kamru about the widespread Waqf Board land grabs occurring across the country.
However, Kamru sidestepped these questions, asserting that temple funds and Waqf Board resources operate under different principles. He insisted that no wrongdoing was happening within the Waqf Boards, dismissing any accountability on that front.
Congress and Temple Control
This incident highlights Congress’s controversial stance on Hindu temples. While the government controls many prominent Hindu temples across India, funds donated by devotees often do not reach the temples themselves.
Instead, these contributions flow into government accounts, where they are frequently redirected to projects that serve various political interests, rarely benefiting the temples or supporting Hindu culture.
Temples, historically self-sustained and funded by devotees, now find themselves financially constrained by government control. This lack of direct funding impacts the welfare of temple staff, the upkeep of temple facilities, and the preservation of Hindu traditions.
In contrast, Waqf properties in India, managed by the Waqf Boards, operate independently with minimal interference. Critics argue that Congress overlooks the disparity between temple and Waqf property management, selectively targeting Hindu institutions while ignoring questionable practices within Waqf Boards.
Shocking!
"Mandiro main itna Sona hai ki isko bech de"
Congress officially says it wants to snatch the Gold that belongs to our temples and sell the gold!
Congress has eyes on looting our temples!
This is what Mughals did in past.
Congress is Dangerous! pic.twitter.com/KoSsW7ulEb
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) November 10, 2024
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned Kamru’s statement on social media, accusing Congress of trying to exploit temple wealth, much like past invaders who looted Hindu temples.
Land-Grabbing Allegations Against Waqf Boards
Concerns about the management of Waqf properties have been mounting. Reports of land grabs by Waqf Boards continue to surface across the country, with some properties acquired under dubious circumstances.
During the debate, Roy attempted to discuss these allegations with Kamru, seeking clarity on Congress’s stance regarding accountability for Waqf assets. Yet, Kamru deflected, claiming that Waqf properties are above scrutiny.
This reluctance to address the allegations has shown the world about Congress’s selective oversight and double standards, focusing on Hindu institutions while ignoring the misuse of the powers of the Waqf board.
The Need for Justice and Accountability
Kamru’s remarks on temple gold show that Congress harbors an anti-Hindu bias, particularly evident in its handling of temple affairs versus Waqf Board issues. Critics argue that Congress’s call to seize temple resources reflects a historical pattern of exploiting Hindu wealth without reinvestment in Hindu culture.
Meanwhile, the funds generated by Hindu festivals, such as the Maha Kumbh, contribute significantly to local economies. The upcoming Maha Kumbh alone is expected to attract millions of visitors and bring an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state economy.
This debate further underscores the ongoing disparity between how temple resources are managed versus those of other religious institutions. Kamru’s comments have reignited calls for the government to ensure fair treatment of temple funds and to respect the autonomy of Hindu institutions.
Temple resources should directly benefit the temples and Hindu communities that support them, rather than being siphoned off for unrelated state projects.
The Maha Kumbh’s Cultural and Economic Significance
The Maha Kumbh, a revered pilgrimage, dates back centuries and is attended by millions from across the world. With over 12 crore visitors expected this year, the Uttar Pradesh government has invested heavily in infrastructure, sanitation, and security to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Yet, Kamru’s comments downplay the significance of the Maha Kumbh, portraying it as a financial burden rather than a cultural treasure that unites millions.
By questioning the need for such investments in a Hindu festival, Congress risks alienating its Hindu voter base. Accusations of favoritism toward Waqf properties while demanding Hindu temple gold highlight the inconsistency in Congress’s approach to religious funding and raise questions about its true goals.
The Need for Transparent Religious Governance
Kamru’s statements during the debate reflect Congress’s divisive stance on Hindu culture and its failure to address the real issues plaguing religious management in India. By calling for the sale of temple gold while ignoring the financial autonomy of Waqf Boards, Congress reveals a double standard that erodes public trust.
As debates continue over temple governance, many are calling for transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all religious institutions. Until then, the imbalance in resource management will remain a contentious issue.