Right-wing forces dictating government: Opposition

Opposition members in the state Legislative Council on Monday alleged that the state government is working on the directions of right wing organisations. They also slammed the government for women rights groups being denied entry into the sanctum sanctorum of Shani Shingnapur temple.

Senior NCP legislator Vidya Chavan said that this government was functioning on the directions of organisations like Hindu Jana Jagran Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha. The state government should allow women to enter all temples in the state, he said.

The issue was raised by Sanjay Dutt (Congress), who said despite promising the high court that women will be allowed to enter Shani-Shingapur temple, the state government failed to ensure this.

Though Mr Dutt was denied permission to move an adjournment motion by the Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar, he was allowed to speak on the issue.

“The government had given an undertaking that it would allow women access to the sanctum sanctorum. It should have taken precautions after the High Court voted in favour of womens’ entry into temples. Not doing so has exposed its double standards,” said Mr Dutt.

Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde alleged that the government itself does not want women to be allowed entry in some of the temples. “Not honouring the HC’s decision is contempt of court. The HC has clearly given the ruling that women should be allowed to enter temples, where they are denied entry.”

Replying to the opposition allegations, minister for Parliamentary Affairs Girish Bapat said, “The chief minister has already said that the government will not oppose entry of women into the temple. The government stands by the women and it is ready to hold debate on this issue anytime.”