Pawan Kalyan, the actor-turned-politician and current Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has ignited a vital discussion with his recent proposal to establish a ‘Dharma Rakshana Board’ aimed at safeguarding Hindu temples. The move comes at a critical juncture, as Hindu temple properties are increasingly vulnerable to encroachments and mismanagement, particularly under the state Endowments Departments. Protecting Hindu heritage has become essential, especially following recent controversies, such as the ‘Srivari Laddu’ scandal, which stirred deep concerns about the sanctity of religious traditions being compromised. This proposal also arrives in the broader context of ongoing political and religious debates. Amendments to the Waqf Act, introduced by previous Congress governments, have granted sweeping powers to Waqf Boards over properties, leaving thousands of Hindu temples in jeopardy. The Waqf Board can claim properties as Waqf with minimal resistance under current legislation, which has heightened fears among Hindus about the security of their sacred spaces. In light of these challenges, Kalyan’s proposal is viewed as both timely and crucial. The Waqf system’s origins in India trace back to the aftermath of Partition. Properties left behind by Muslims who migrated to Pakistan were placed under the Custodian Department, and many of these assets were classified as Waqf properties. Over time, these properties were rented to refugees, forming what is now known as the Waqf tenants’ system. To manage these assets, the first Waqf Act was introduced in 1954 by Jawaharlal Nehru’s government, and subsequent amendments followed, most notably under PV Narasimha Rao in 1995 and the UPA-II government led by Manmohan Singh in 2013.
The 2013 amendments further strengthened Waqf Boards’ control over properties, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. Section 40 of the Waqf Act (1995, as amended in 2013) grants Waqf Boards the authority to determine whether a property is classified as Waqf or not. The Board’s decision is considered final unless contested in court. This provision has caused friction, as it grants unilateral power to the Board, often leading to disputes with Hindus over temple land. Today, Waqf Boards manage over 8.7 lakh properties across 9.4 lakh acres in India, a figure that amplifies concerns about property rights for Hindu temples. BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed a petition challenging the excessive powers granted to Waqf Boards by the 2013 amendments, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case. Upadhyay’s petition rightly questioned why similar legal frameworks do not exist for other religious communities, including Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. His argument is that the Waqf Act, as it currently stands, contradicts India’s secular fabric by granting special privileges to one religious group, thereby denying equal rights to others. However, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, declined to hear Upadhyay’s Public Interest Litigation (PIL) earlier this year. The court argued that the constitutionality of a law passed by Parliament cannot be challenged as an abstract exercise and that no clear violation of Upadhyay’s personal rights had been demonstrated. Nevertheless, the dismissal of the PIL does not undermine the legitimate concerns surrounding the unequal treatment of religious properties. The BJP, now in its third consecutive term in power, has recognized the urgency of these concerns and is actively working on amending the Waqf laws. These reforms aim to curb the expansive powers granted to the Waqf Boards by the 2013 amendments, reflecting the party’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equal rights for all religious groups, particularly Hindus, whose temple properties have long faced systemic threats.
Pawan Kalyan’s proposal for a ‘Dharma Rakshana Board’ gains significant importance in light of these broader debates. As an ally of the ruling BJP, Kalyan’s Jana Sena party has been a vocal advocate for protecting Hindu temple properties. The creation of a dedicated board to safeguard these properties would address the pressing issue of encroachments and ensure their proper management. Moreover, this board would create a more balanced system, counteracting the immense power currently wielded by Waqf Boards. Kalyan’s proposal is likely to gain widespread public support, as many believe that the Modi government will seize this opportunity to push for its implementation. With the BJP’s amendments to the Waqf laws currently pending before the Joint Parliamentary Committee, the timing appears opportune for the establishment of a Dharma Rakshana Board. Such a body would serve as a crucial defense against future encroachments and mismanagement, offering much-needed protection for Hindu religious and cultural sites across India. The importance of safeguarding Hindu temple properties is underscored by official data, which reveals that India is home to more than 6.49 lakh temples, with approximately 53 temples for every one lakh people. This vast network of temples is not just a cultural asset but a spiritual cornerstone for millions of Hindus. Yet, many of these temples face constant threats of encroachment, and mismanagement. Kalyan’s call for a Dharma Rakshana Board taps into this growing sense of vulnerability among Hindus. The historical imbalance created by the Waqf Act and its subsequent amendments has left many Hindus feeling unprotected. While the BJP has made strides in addressing these concerns, the need for legal protections specific to Hindu temples is both urgent and long overdue. Pawan Kalyan’s proposal offers a practical and timely solution to this issue, and it is time for policymakers to seriously consider its implementation. Pawan Kalyan’s proposal for a ‘Dharma Rakshana Board’ comes at a critical time when the protection of Hindu temples is of paramount concern. With growing insecurity over temple properties and a historical imbalance in religious property rights, the establishment of such a board could provide the necessary legal framework to safeguard Hindu heritage. As the Modi government works on amending the Waqf laws, Kalyan’s initiative presents an opportunity to address long-standing concerns and restore balance. It is a proposal that should not be overlooked, as it resonates with a large section of the population and offers a much-needed solution for the protection of Hindu religious sites across India.
