Varanasi: Protesting against the alleged new app-based darshan system implemented at Kashi Vishwanath temple, scores of Congress office-bearers and workers attempted to march towards the temple from their office at Maidagin on Sunday. Heavy police force foiled their attempt, after which they staged a protest outside their office. The Congress claimed that this system was an attempt to restrict the faith of devotees and hurt the sentiments of believers, demanding its immediate withdrawal.
Temple Administration Clarifies
On the other hand, the temple administration stated that nothing new was being introduced to the existing darshan system except an upgrade of the software for the temple’s ticket booking and data collection system. This upgrade aims to put a complete check on loopholes misused by middlemen to dupe devotees.
Congress Leaders Raise Concerns
Three days after the temple chief executive officer, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, provided updates on the proposed software update, Congress Mahanagar President Raghavendra Chaubey opened a front against him. Chaubey alleged that the temple administration was trying to supersede the faith of crores by turning the shrine area into a ground for experimenting with digitally controlled business models. He said that restricting the booking of Mangla Aarti tickets for 90 days after a devotee participates is an encroachment on religious liberty and should be withdrawn. Demanding transparency, the party asked for the removal of tainted officials and the resumption of the Sugam Darshan facility for local residents with extended hours. They also called for ending the app-based system to avoid problems for devotees and an impartial inquiry into the donations made to the temple and their utilization.
Protest and Police Action
After preparing the demand letter, Congress workers started moving from their office to Maidagin road to march towards the temple. However, police did not allow them onto the road, after which they engaged in sloganeering. In view of their demand, an SDM deployed at the temple was called to the spot, and Congress leaders submitted their demand letter to him.
CEO's Response
When contacted, the temple CEO said there was no plan to change any existing system for entering the temple for darshan or ticket booking in any category. The app's software was being upgraded to maintain proper data and prevent repeated booking of tickets for rituals like Mangla Aarti on a single ID by middlemen, who cheat devotees by charging huge amounts and cause mismanagement during rituals. The upgrade will also address linguistic issues and make the temple visit more convenient for devotees from across the globe.
