Lucknow: Endorsing Yogi govt’s cultural initiatives, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Alok Kumar on Friday called for greater public participation in temple restoration efforts across the state.Collaboration between people, mainly Hindu devotees, and govt is essential to revitalise the state’s ‘cultural and religious economy’, he said.Speaking to TOI, Kumar highlighted that while UP govt has taken significant steps, community involvement would be key in sustaining and expanding the impact of renovation of temples. “There needs to be increased participation of people in reviving temples and govt can play a big role in it,” he said.Kumar’s endorsement came a day after CM Yogi Adityanath said that his govt has renovated around 1,500 temples during its nine-year tenure and called the initiative as part of a broader push to restore the state’s cultural identity and strengthen religious tourism.Addressing a public gathering in Gorakhpur, Yogi had contrasted his govt’s policies with those of the previous Samajwadi Party govt. He said public funds are allocated according to govt priorities. “It is govt money, public money. Earlier, funds were sent to graveyards because they preferred it. Now we are allocating funds for temples based on our priorities,” he said.Backing Yogi’s stance, Kumar described govt’s work as “wonderful”, stating that it has helped revive religious structures and the cultural roots of the state and the country. The VHP chief noted that improved infrastructure and restoration efforts have led to increased footfall at temples, which, in turn, will contribute to local economies through tourism, employment, and associated services.“The overall temple economy revives itself for the welfare of the people in all terms,” Kumar added. Experts say the emphasis on temple renovation aligns with the ideology associated with groups linked to the BJP. Analysts said govt’s contrast with the SP over spending priorities reflects an ongoing political polarisation around identity and resource allocation, particularly in the run-up to the UP assembly elections.Analysts said focus on temple renovation shows Yogi govt’s bid to promote religious tourism in and around Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura.
