BJP Condemns Reported Construction Near Shankaracharya Temple
Demands Accountability for ₹44.37 Lakh Sanction
27/10/2026
Jammu, October 27 (KIP)-The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir, strongly condemns the reported construction of a mazaar-like structure along the approach to the sacred Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar and demands immediate accountability from the National Conference-led government over the reported sanction of ₹44.37 lakh for the project.
Reacting sharply, Girdhari Lal Raina, Former MLC and BJP J&K-UT Spokesperson, questioned the purpose, legality and authorisation of the work, stating that the controversy concerns Kashmir’s ancient Hindu heritage, an ecologically sensitive hillside and the expenditure of public money.
“Is the NC government so indifferent to Kashmir’s civilisational heritage that it cannot explain why such a project was sanctioned near one of the Valley’s most sacred Hindu shrines?” Raina asked.
He stressed that NC is invoking religious sentiments to hide its failure to address public issues, poor governance record, internal dissent and the leadership is feeling heat because of mounting pressure from BJP both inside the Assembly and outside also.
He emphasised that Shankaracharya Hill, crowned by the ancient Shiva temple, is an enduring symbol of Kashmir’s millennia-old spiritual and civilisational heritage. Any activity in its vicinity demands the utmost sensitivity, transparency and strict adherence to law.
Raina said concerns over the NC’s approach to Kashmir’s historical and religious identity had previously been raised over the use of alternative names, including Takht-e-Suleiman for Shankaracharya Hill and Koh-e-Maran for Hari Parbat, in its election manifesto. The reported development near the temple has further intensified public apprehensions, which the government must address through facts and action.
Visuals circulating on social media reportedly show structures resembling graves in the forested area along the approach to the hill. The administration must clarify their nature, purpose, authorisation and precise location.
The reported sanction of ₹44.37 lakh demands immediate answers. Who proposed the project? Which authority sanctioned it? What exactly is being constructed? Who owns the land? Were the necessary forest, environmental and other statutory permissions obtained? Who is executing the work, and for what public purpose?
The government cannot escape responsibility by shifting blame to subordinate officials. If any applicable law, statutory requirement or binding judicial direction has been violated, those responsible must face appropriate legal and departmental action.
The BJP demands an immediate halt to any unauthorised work, an independent inquiry into the sanction and execution of the project, public disclosure of all approvals and expenditure records, and strict action against those found responsible. If violations are established, the site must be restored in accordance with law.
Raina asserted that Kashmir’s ancient heritage cannot be subjected to administrative arbitrariness or political expediency. Protecting its sacred landmarks is a responsibility the government cannot abdicate.