Mumbai: The Central Railway on Saturday stayed the demolition of five unauthorised temples, including a Hanuman temple, outside Dadar station amid escalating opposition from the Shiv Sena (UBT), later leading to protests from BJP leaders as well.
In a related development, CM Devendra Fadnavis said the govt will take steps to regularise the structures outside Dadar station. “The court, in one of its earlier judgments, made certain categories, and old temples can be regularised as per those. We will discuss with the railway authorities to find a way out…,” he told reporters at Pune airport.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the demolition notices soon after they were issued on Dec 4. On Friday, party chief Uddhav Thackeray raised the pitch by accusing the BJP of “electoral Hindutva” and saying it failed to protect Hindu temples, including the 80-year-old Hanuman temple on the CR premises. He announced a maha-aarti at the temple on Saturday evening.
However, on Saturday afternoon, before the maha-aarti could take place, BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced a stay on the demolition. As party workers gathered outside the Hanuman temple, BJP leaders, including Lodha and Kirit Somaiya, came and offered prayers. In the evening, a maha-aarti was conducted by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who was accompanied by senior party leaders, including Sanjay Raut.
With BMC polls approaching and the Hindutva issue on the electoral agenda, both parties tried to take credit for the stay. “Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar and I spoke to railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Leaders from the 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 the Shiv 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 the maha-aarti, Aaditya said, “The demolition was stayed because our party chief Uddhav Thackeray made it an issue. You can see what happens when our party puts its strength behind something.”
He added, “We have exposed the double-face of the BJP, which uses Hindutva on a use-and-throw basis. They are responsible for the demolition of many ancient temples.” He also said that builders bought land at profitable rates around the Ayodhya temple. He further said that the demolition order cannot only be stayed, but has to be withdrawn.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 the removal of the five unauthrised temples within seven days for encroaching on railway land.
The demolition notices, dated Dec 4, were issued by CR’s assistant divisional engineer (Mumbai Division), directing the removal of the five unauthorised temples dedicated to various deities, including Hanuman, Shiva, Mahalaxmi, and Dattatreya, within seven days for obstructing commuter movement and delaying the redevelopment of Dadar station. Sources said the notices were issued to address concerns flagged in the 2021 Comptroller and Auditor General report, which highlighted encroachments on railway land.
On Saturday, a letter issued by the assistant divisional engineer (works), Byculla, confirmed the stay, referencing the earlier notice and stating: “The proposed action has been stayed.”
