Observers point out that since the formation of Uttarakhand State, there have been various changes—both positive and negative—in the Governmental and social activities especially those pertaining to pilgrimage.
In recent years, some changes have been made in ancient religious and cultural traditions with a culture of ‘VIP’ treatment to politicians, industrialists and ‘celebrities’ being encouraged in the Char Dham shrines which the State Government looks upon as important ‘religious tourism’destinations for boosting income generation.
In 2015 Congress vicepresident Rahul Gandhi had visited Kedarnath at the time of the re-opening of the shrine’s portals. Much to the chagrin of devotees and members of the religious fraternity, the politician was taken into the shrine through a side door even before the portals of the shrine were ritually opened.
This year, Pauri MP BC Khanduri had reportedly been taken inside the Badrinath shrine through a side entrance even before reopening of the temple’s portals to the public.