Due to lok Sabha elections Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda would not be able to inaugurate the Chaitra Navratra mela, scheduled to start from March 31 at Shri Mata Mansa Devi temple in Panchkula.
“Due to code of conduct in the State for general elections, we have decided not to invite Chief Minister of Haryana this time as chief guest for inauguration of Chaitra mela in Shri Mata Mansa Devi temple”, said SS Phulia, DC Panchkula, who also holds the charge of administrator of Shrine Board. Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board (SMMDSB) Panchkula.
Talking to The Pioneer, Phulia said Hooda can come in the temple as a common devotee but not as politician. “No political activity would be allowed here until April 10, poll day in Haryana”, added Phulia. Every year, SMMDSB, organises two melas during Ashwin and Chaitra Navratras for lakhs of devotees at Shri Mata Mansa Devi temple here. Chaitra Mela is considered the main Mela at Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple and is held for nine days in which more than ten lakh devotees come to pay their obeisance.
Usually, the Chief Minister of the State inaugurates these melas and chief secretary or principal secretary to Chief Minister attends the concluding ceremony. Governor of Haryana also attends some cultural functions during the nine-day navratras. This time as general elections are taking place during these Chaitra mela, local administration doesn’t want to take any risk, which may violate code of conduct, and is taking every step with an eye on the Model Code of Conduct.
To avoid any political interference in this religious function, local administration has also decided not to print formal ‘invitation’ cards for anyone this time. Besides, the administration is in dilemma whether to print ‘VVIP’ passes this time or not as is the common practice. “We have not decide on it yet”, said Phulia. Every year thousands of ‘VVIP passes’ are distributed by SMMDSB to the bureaucrats, politicians, press and police officials for their family members and close relatives for hassle free entry in to the temple complex.
Chief Electoral Officer, Srikant Walgad said that SMMDSB sought permission on certain points, including entry passes, security passes etc. There should not be any political activity in the temple, but rest of the arrangements can be made by the management board of temple and we are not going to interfere in it”, he said. SK Mighlani, chief executive officer of board, said the board has made elaborate arrangements for the comfortable stay and darshan of the devotees during this mela scheduled to start from March 31.
During the mela, Duty Magistrates and Nodal Officers have been appointed to look after the devotees and smooth conduct of the mela, besides that special attention is being given on the cleanliness of the temple, added Mighlani. “This is the first time when board has decided to hand over the parking place to the Red Cross society, now they would handle it properly,” said Mighlani. The temple was constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra during the period 1811-1815.