Himachal govt won’t take funds from temples, says Deputy CM Agnihotri

Thumbnail: Govt clears the air on taking temple funds
MANDI: Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has said that the state government would not take any money from temples for any of its schemes.

Addressing journalists in Mandi on Sunday (March 2, 2025), Agnihotri said the Language and Culture Department, which oversaw temple affairs, was under his jurisdiction and he firmly assured that temple funds would not be used for government activities.

Agnihotri arrived in Mandi as the chief guest for the Madhya Jaleb procession at the Shivratri festival and will also attend cultural programmes in the evening.

Accuses BJP of spreading misinformation

Mukesh Agnihotri further explained that in the past, temple funds had been used for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and disaster relief in special circumstances. However, apart from these, the money would not be utilised elsewhere.

He said temples and trusts could voluntarily help the needy as per legal provisions, but they made their own decisions in such cases. He accused the BJP of spreading false propaganda, saying that such misinformation would not benefit them.

Says Jai Ram Thakur Even Opposed their participation in Kumbh Snan

The Deputy CM alleged that ever since the Congress government came to power in the state, opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP leaders have been continuously spreading negative propaganda.

Mukesh Agnihotri pointed out that BJP leaders even objected to their participation in the Kumbh Snan. “Jai Ram Thakur will not gain anything from such objections. We are as religious as they are,” Agnihotri stated.

Agnihotri highlighted that 36 temples in the state were under government control, but only four or five of them had strong financial standing.

“Most other temples are not in a position to contribute funds. Entire temple deposits amount to around Rs 500 crore, but that sum is insignificant compared to the state’s Rs 55,000 crore budget. Instead of taking money, the government provides financial assistance to temples,” he said.

Deputy CM flags off road safety rally, Mandi DC among participants

Earlier in the day, Agnihotri flagged off a bike rally organised to raise awareness about road safety. The event was held in collaboration with the transport department and district administration as part of the International Mahashivratri Festival.

The rally started from Seri Manch and passed through Mangwai, Chakker, Ner Chowk and ended at Dadour.

The rally saw participation from 100 bikers and 25 cars. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan too rode a bike. The participants adhered to all safety norms and maintained designated speed limits.
Following the rally, Deputy CM Agnihotri urged people to drive responsibly, emphasising, “Drive with awareness, not excitement.”

He stressed the importance of abiding by traffic rules, avoiding intoxicated driving, maintaining vehicle fitness, wearing seat belts and helmets, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, using low beams at night and ensuring road safety at all times.

The event was attended by HRTC BOD directors Dharmendra Dhami and Jagdish Reddy, SP Sakshi Verma, ADM Madan Kumar, RTO Girish Samra and other officials.

Munish Sood