Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun

Dehradun, Jan 27: The temple committees of the Char Dham shrines may consider passing resolutions to ban the entry of “non-Hindus” into temple premises, with Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) president Hemant Dwivedi stating that a decision could be taken at an upcoming board meeting.

Dwivedi said the board would convene to pass a resolution banning the entry of non-Hindus and that the matter would also be discussed with the state administration and the Chief Minister. He added that similar demands have been raised regarding the entry of non-Hindus at ghats in Haridwar.

However, a senior office-bearer of the BKTC clarified that no such discussion has taken place so far and that the statement was made without consultation with the board or stakeholders. The official said the next board meeting, scheduled in February, is primarily to chart the budget.

The office-bearer pointed out that traders, labourers and others associated with temple activities include non-Hindus and questioned how they could be excluded. He also noted that non-Hindus often accompany government officers and dignitaries to the temples. He added that Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists would not be excluded and remarked that the issue required wider consultation.

The BKTC is a government undertaking with 17 members, constituted under a 1948 Act. It governs the administration of the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples, with the chairman and vice-chairman nominated by the state government.

Meanwhile, Shri Gangotri Dham Temple Committee chairman Dharmanand Semwal said his board would deliberate on a similar proposal, adding that the issue reflects sentiments raised by local residents. He said no resolution has been passed yet and that any decision would be forwarded to the administration for approval before implementation.

The Char Dham shrines attract lakhs of pilgrims and tourists every year. In 2025, the four Dhams recorded a footfall of about 51 lakh visitors, with Kedarnath seeing the highest number at 17.68 lakh pilgrims.

Former chief minister and Congress leader Harish Rawat criticised the move, alleging communal polarisation and questioning whether constitutional authorities could be restricted based on religion. Senior Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana also termed the proposal a diversionary tactic, stating that under the Constitution, public spaces cannot bar entry based on religion.