Kanpur: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Central Joint General Secretary Dr. Surendra Jain on Saturday said that India is undergoing a powerful resurgence due to the growing influence of Hindutva, which is reshaping society, halting religious conversions, and demanding liberation of Hindu temples from state control.
Speaking at a press conference in Kanpur, Dr. Jain asserted that the ideology of Hindutva is steering the country towards national rejuvenation. “India is now seen globally as a rising power and a symbol of hope. Every aspect of national life is experiencing growth and renewal,” he said.
‘Illegal Conversions Must Stop’
Dr. Jain took strong exception to religious conversions carried out through alleged deceit and coercion, targeting Christian missionaries and what he termed “Islamic jihadi elements.” He accused such groups of manipulating vulnerable sections of the Hindu community despite anti-conversion laws being in place in several Indian states.
He said, “Despite stringent laws against forced conversions in many states and their strict enforcement, these elements continue their unethical activities. This cannot continue. If the church and radical Muslim organizations do not stop such acts, society itself will respond accordingly.” He further linked such activities to rising incidents of societal unrest and called upon religious organizations to engage in introspection.
Dr. Jain also highlighted sensitive issues such as “love jihad,” claiming it was another tactic aimed at targeting Hindu society under the guise of interfaith relationships.
Campaign to Free Temples from Government Control
Calling government control over Hindu temples a “betrayal,” Dr. Jain accused secular administrations of disrespecting Hindu sentiments. Citing recent examples such as the handling of Prasad at Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh and the Jagannath Dham Prasad contract in Digha, West Bengal, he said these instances reveal how governments fail to uphold the sanctity of Hindu institutions.
He reiterated the VHP’s demand for temple autonomy and announced the intensification of the Mandir Mukti Abhiyan, or temple liberation campaign. “Starting from Vijayawada on January 5, this movement will now become a people’s campaign across the country. The time has come to hand over Hindu temples to the Hindu community,” he declared.
He appealed to state governments to take proactive steps in transferring control of religious places back to the community, ensuring that temple administration remains rooted in traditional and cultural values.
Kanwar Yatra Symbolizes National Unity
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the Kanwar Yatra, Dr. Jain praised it as a centuries-old tradition symbolizing devotion, discipline, and unity. He noted that during the yatra, people from various castes, regions, and linguistic backgrounds unite in their shared identity as Shiva devotees.
“The Kanwar Yatra is a living expression of national integrity. When a devotee, driven by pure intentions, carries water from sacred rivers without placing it on the ground and walks hundreds of kilometers to offer it to Lord Shiva, it becomes a spiritual journey of unity and patriotism,” he explained.
He said the yatra has always been welcomed by Hindu society with great enthusiasm, but alleged that certain extremist elements attempt to disrupt its harmony. Dr. Jain condemned reported instances of hostility from radical groups, referring to what he termed “spit jihad” and “urine jihad.”
“The Hindu society will no longer tolerate these conspiracies. Muslim organizations must act responsibly and ensure that no one indulges in such offensive acts. The time for hiding identities to provoke communal unrest is over,” he said.
Call for Harmony and Compliance
Concluding his statement, Dr. Jain urged all communities to cooperate in maintaining law and order during religious events. He appealed to Muslim leaders to control radical elements and ensure communal peace.
He emphasized the importance of following government-issued guidelines strictly and expressed hope that all stakeholders would act responsibly to prevent unnecessary tensions.
“This is a time for mutual respect and unity. Hindutva is not about hatred—it is about national awakening, spiritual revival, and cultural pride,” Dr. Jain said.
With the VHP intensifying its campaigns on temple autonomy and halting illegal conversions, the coming months may see renewed debates around the role of religion and governance in Indian society.
