Jaipur, Oct 27 Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday accused the BJP government of failing to release funds for Diwali celebrations at around 460 temples across the state.
Gehlot said the BJP, which had organised the lighting of 33 lakh earthen lamps on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, has “failed” to ensure even a small budget for lighting lamps at temples during Diwali.
He claimed the provision for five days of lamp-lighting at each temple was limited to just two litres of oil and 50 earthen lamps, but even the funds for this had not been released.
Gehlot said the money, usually released about a month before Diwali, was still pending, although the six-day festival was scheduled to begin next week.
He alleged that the delay could affect preparations for floral arrangements, lighting of lamps, ‘rangoli’ and ‘annakoot’ celebrations at temples across the state.
“The government that talks about Sanatan Dharma day and night is unable to release funds on time even for lighting lamps in temples. This is playing with people’s faith,” Gehlot said.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of using religion and faith for political purposes while neglecting the basic requirements of temples.
(PTI News)
