Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has reacted to the ongoing controversy involving Sara Ali Khan’s visits to the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. The issue started after reports claimed that the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) asked the actress to submit an affidavit declaring her faith in Sanatan Dharma before offering prayers at the shrines. Kangana supported the committee’s stand and said there should be no hesitation in stating one’s beliefs openly.
The BJP Member of Parliament spoke to reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday and shared her views on the matter. Read on to know what she said!
Kangana Ranaut Supports BKTC Over Sara Ali Khan Affidavit Row
Kangana Ranaut backed the temple committee and said people should not be afraid to write the truth about their faith. Speaking to the media, she said, “Sab sanatani hain…Yahan jo bhi hain sanatani hain…Wo bhi sanatani hai, so why fear in writing down the truth.”
This reaction from Kangana Ranaut came after BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi stated that Sara Ali Khan would be allowed to offer prayers if she submitted a written declaration of faith. According to him, the rule applies to everyone who wants to enter the temple premises but does not belong to the Hindu faith.
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Dwivedi said at a press conference, “Those (non-Hindus) who have faith in Sanatan Dharma-and who provide a written declaration stating – I am a Sanatani. I believe in Hindutva are all welcome.”
He also clarified that the committee has prepared a standard format for the affidavit, which visitors must fill out if required.
BKTC Rule For Temple Entry Before Char Dham Yatra
Reports suggest that entry of non-Hindus would be restricted in 47 temples managed by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. This includes the famous shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. The decision was taken during a board meeting chaired by BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi, where the proposal received approval.
When asked specifically about Sara Ali Khan, who has visited Kedarnath several times, Dwivedi said, “If Sara Ali Khan affirms that she holds faith and devotion towards Sanatan, and subsequently submits an affidavit to that effect, she will be granted darshan.”
Sara has often spoken about her spiritual connection with Kedarnath. She first visited the shrine during the shooting of her debut film Kedarnath in 2017. Since then, she has travelled to the temple many times and frequently shares photos from her visits on social media. Her trips are usually personal and not related to film promotions.
The issue has gained attention ahead of the Char Dham Yatra this year. The yatra will begin on 19 April on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will open on the same day, while Kedarnath will open on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23.
