JAMMU, October 29, 2026 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised serious questions regarding the reported construction of a mazaar-like structure along the approach road to the sacred Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar. The party is seeking immediate administrative accountability concerning the alleged sanction of Rs 44.37 lakh for the project.
Reacting sharply to the development, former MLC and BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Girdhari Lal Raina questioned the authorization, legality, and exact public purpose of the ongoing works. Highlighting that the Shankaracharya Hill is crowned by an ancient Shiva temple representing centuries-old spiritual and civilizational heritage, Raina emphasized that any development in this ecologically sensitive hillside demands absolute transparency, strict statutory compliance, and the utmost sensitivity.
The controversy has intensified public apprehensions regarding historical and religious identity in the region. These concerns have been compounded by circulating social media visuals that reportedly show structures resembling graves in the forested approach area. Raina stressed that the administration must address these growing concerns through concrete facts and transparent action, clarifying whether all necessary forest, environmental, and statutory permissions were legally secured prior to execution.
Furthermore, the BJP demanded clear, factual answers regarding who originally proposed the initiative, which authority sanctioned the public funds, who currently owns the land, and what specific public utility is being served. Raina asserted that the government cannot escape accountability by shifting the blame onto subordinate officials, emphasizing that safeguarding the region’s treasured heritage landmarks is an essential administrative duty.
Concluding the party’s official stance, the leadership called for an immediate halt to any unauthorized activities at the site. They have demanded a transparent public disclosure of all expenditure and approval records, as well as an independent inquiry into the entire sanction process. The BJP stated that if any legal or judicial violations are established, strict departmental action must follow, alongside full restoration of the site in strict accordance with the law.
Published by True Roots Media Network