Akhil Bhartiya Teerth Purohit Mahasabha has demanded the Centre to give subsidy to the Hindu pilgrims on the line of one given to the Muslim Haj pilgrims. The priests have also raised voice against the rampant acquisition of temples and religious places by the Government. Mahasabha said they would launch a campaign against the government, demanding the temples being freed from the grip of the government.
In course of the two- day congregation which started on Friday, the office bearers of 80 pilgrim centres have gathered to discuss different agendas. Discussions will also be held on resuming unbridled flow of Ganga, Yamuna and other holyrivers.
The president of the Mahasabha Mahesh Pathak Chaturvedi said, “The acquisition of temples would not be allowed at any cost. It is a simple violation of rights of the Purohits since they are directly linked to the devotees and pilgrims.” He further said that none else than the priests could manage the holy places. A website was also underway which would facilitate in spiritual tourism, said Pathak .
The president of Ganga Mahasabha, Purushottam Sharma Gandhiwadi was amongst the few others from Haridwar present in the congregation.