The local unit of BJP objected the functioning of arrack and toddy shops on temple lands donated by ardent devotees in several areas of Puducherry and Karaikal regions.
BJP activists, led by party’s state president Visweswaran, staged a demonstration near the Excise Department office raising the issue, here on Friday.
The party chief told Express that people had, out of sheer devotion, donated huge areas of land for temples. These lands were being misused by the ruling governments by allowing arrack and toddy outlets to function here, he said and claimed that at least in 30 places such government shops were set up on temple lands.
He said the government should refrain from giving the ‘sacred land’ belonging to temples for activities, which are detrimental to the society.
Pointing out that such places are being used for anti-social activities, the BJP leader urged the administration to use the lands for meaningful purposes beneficial to the society.
BJP chief Visweswaran also submitted a memorandum on the issue to the Commissioner of Department of Hindu Religious Institutions, Mohandass, who assured him that the matter would be taken up with the authorities concerned in the UT administration.
A few days ago, BJP had demanded ban on gutka and pan masala.
