Mumbai: Multiple members of the Maharashtra legislative assembly met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday seeking his intervention in the matter of Jain temple demolition. The MLAs also met civic chief Bhushan Gagrani and demanded disciplinary action against the civic officials who carried out the demolition work.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing heat from the Jain community after it demolished the 1008 Digambar Jain Temple in Vile Parle’s Kambli Wadi on April 16. The temple was demolished early in the morning while a stay appeal was scheduled to be heard by the High Court later in the day. The Free Press Journal reported the issue first and has been consistently following up the matter.
On Tuesday, Mumbai Suburban district’s joint guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Vile Parle MLA Parag Alavani, Andheri East MLA Murji Patel and representatives from the Jain community met CM Fadnavis and demanded immediate action. An immediate inquiry and disciplinary action against the concerned officials was demanded at the meeting.
Lodha urged the CM that the site be surveyed promptly and that the temple be reconstructed at the same location as soon as possible. According to sources, the CM responded positively to the concerns and assured that the municipal administration would look into the matter seriously, ensuring that no religious sentiments are hurt going forward.
“The incident of removing the revered Parshvanath Bhagwan Jain temple in Vile Parle has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Jain community. It was not just a religious structure but also a center of faith and devotion. Hence, we demand strict action against the responsible officials,” said Lodha.
Following the meeting with the CM, the delegation of MLAs and Jain community members also met BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. The civic chief was also urged to hold an immediate joint meeting with the concerned officials. Lodha urged Gagrani that if the meeting is not held, disciplinary actions should be initiated against the civic officers and BMC should survey the site and help the community in reconstructing the temple.
