Dehradun: BJP MLA Asha Nautiyal has ignited a fresh controversy by calling for restrictions on non-Hindus visiting Kedarnath, citing concerns over the sentiments of Hindu devotees. She asserted that certain activities at the site were offending pilgrims and suggested extending the ban to all four Char Dham Yatra sites.
“I conducted a meeting with locals, and they informed me that non-Hindus are hurting religious sentiments there. People from across the world come to worship Baba Kedar, so those people [non-Hindus] should be banned from going there,” Nautiyal told PTI. She added that local businessmen had echoed these concerns, urging authorities to prevent such activities.
Kedarnath, a revered jyotirling dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a key part of the Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The pilgrimage is set to begin on April 30, with Kedarnath’s doors opening on May 2. Nautiyal stressed her responsibility as an elected representative to address the issue, stating that pilgrims should return from Char Dham with the same faith they arrived with.
Her remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Congress state vice president Suryakant Dhasmana accused the BJP of exploiting religion to divide society, pointing out that the party had repeatedly targeted Muslims during religious events such as Maha Kumbh, Holi, Jumme ki Namaz, and Char Dham Yatra. He claimed such statements were designed to distract the public from real issues like unemployment and inflation.
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat also slammed the BJP, arguing that the party was resorting to religious rhetoric due to a lack of substantial governance issues. “Uttarakhand is a devbhoomi, so how long will you keep attaching everything to religion?” he questioned, calling Nautiyal’s statement unnecessary and divisive.
Meanwhile, BJP Uttarakhand media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan defended Nautiyal, stating that her views aligned with Hindu sentiments. He emphasized that the Char Dham pilgrimage was a cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma, drawing millions of devotees annually. Chauhan also claimed that local business owners had raised concerns about the sale of meat and liquor near the temple, calling it inappropriate for a sacred place.
The demand for restrictions on non-Hindus at Kedarnath has intensified debates on religious access and inclusivity, with both supporters and critics weighing in on the implications of such a move.
