What is the issue with taking temples out of control?Religious and political interestsIn response to this question, professor Alok Mishra of patna University said that whether it is lok sabha elections or assembly elections in India, different political parties have been using religious and cultural issues to support their respective communities. This explains why the debate over ending government authority over temples is sometimes viewed as a vote-bank issue.When the government tries to take away control of temples of a particular community or religion, opposition parties may try to capitalize on it for their benefit. In such a situation, they can say that the government is not respecting the religious sentiments of that community. This can lead people of the community to stand in favor of the party that promises to protect their religious interests. Apart from this, it is a common practice in India, where religion and religious places are politicized during elections.On the other hand, when political parties talk about the control of temples, they try to stir up the religious sentiments of that community. This strategy is often for electoral gain. For example, if a party has supported the temples of a particular religious group, then that community may be loyal to that party.Another aspect of religious politics is that it strengthens religious identity. people unite on the basis of their religious identity, which can motivate political parties to vote in their favor.
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