An unusual temple in Gujarat state has attracted notice for its statues of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a chief minister guarding Hindu deities inside. But the temple, illegally built atop a house, now faces potential demolition.
The temple in Bharuch district was inaugurated on 22 January, the same day as the opening of a grand new Ram temple at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
Its owner, scrap merchant Mohanlal Gupta, constructed an extra floor on his two-storey building without approval to house the temple. Statues of Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stand outside, while idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman sit inside.
Gupta claims he obtained permission in 2012 from the local village council. But authorities sent him a notice demanding documents after complaints last year that the entire construction was illegal.
Gupta, originally from Uttar Pradesh, resides opposite the building he uses for commercial purposes. He alleges the demolition threats are due to jealousy from outsiders.
The temple's lavish inauguration on 22 January drew a large crowd, but the village head said she did not attend the controversial event.
The unusual case highlights issues around unauthorised construction as well as the prominence given to Modi and Adityanath in Indian politics. But Gupta may have to demolish the temple if he cannot furnish valid building permissions.
Legal experts say construction without sanction violates the law. Yet cases of illegal temples supported by political and religious sentiment make demolition difficult for authorities.
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