PUNE: A “temple of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” built in the Aundh area was inaugurated on Independence Day, after
BJP worker Mayur Munde conceived the idea.
“I have built this temple as a mark of respect to the Prime Minister. His works are an inspiration for me,” said Munde, a real estate worker.
The 6ft x 2.5ft x 7.5 ft roadside temple been built in a “private place and with private funds” has been drawing the attention of passers-by. Around Rs1.5 lakh has been spent on the initiative.
The temple material – red stone and marble -- was brought from Jaipur. Toughened glass had been fitted to the structure for its security, Munde said.
The opposition parties criticised the move. “It is a height of fanaticism. On the one hand, BJP is removing names of former Prime Ministers from schemes and on the other, its workers are building temples of its leaders,” said
Congress spokesperson Anant Gadgil.
The
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also expressed its displeasure over the project. “Every individual has the right to follow his/her school of thoughts. But this type of initiatives of building temple of individual leaders will give a wrong message to society. The socio-cultural tradition of Pune city has never tolerated such undue glorification of individuals,” said Prashant Jagtap, the city unit chief of
NCP.