Udupi: Pejawar Seer breaks silence on controversy over remarks on Constitution

Team Udayavani, Dec 2, 2024, 2:09 PM IST

Udupi: In response to the controversy surrounding remarks allegedly attributed to him about amending the Constitution, Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of Sri Pejawara Matha has clarified that he never made such statements. Breaking his silence, the seer stated that the claims of him advocating for constitutional changes were “baseless and unfounded.”

Speaking to the media in Udupi, Swamiji said, “I never mentioned that the Constitution should be changed.” During a saints’ conclave led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Bengaluru, they collectively adopted a written resolution that did not mention the Constitution. However, he noted that fabricated claims have caused “unnecessary public outrage.”

He expressed his disappointment, adding that the remarks attributed to him have led to widespread criticism and protests. This situation arose from “irresponsible statements” made by the Chief Minister, which lack evidence. According to Swamiji, video and written records from the event are available for verification, and the Chief Minister should have reviewed these before making any public comments.

Swamiji reiterated his commitment to constitutional values and social harmony. “I have always participated in elections and respected the Constitution. Pejawar Matha and associated organizations have consistently worked for the welfare of all sections of society,” he said.

Further, he said that Pejawar Matha and its associated organizations have consistently worked for the welfare of all sections of society. Recently, they constructed 14 homes worth Rs 16 lakh for underprivileged Koraga families, funded by industrialist H.S. Shetty. Plans are now underway to build an additional 100 homes.

Criticizing those targeting him, Swamiji remarked, “Some think that attacking me would silence the Hindu community, but that is impossible. The Hindu society is vast and resilient. Oppose my actual words if needed, but don’t create false narratives.”

He also touched upon his belief that governments must treat all citizens equally, saying, “Elected governments should govern for everyone, not favor specific groups. I have never called for changing the Constitution, nor used the term in any speech.”

Additionally, he raised concerns about the taxation on Hindu temples, contrasting it with the autonomy enjoyed by religious institutions of other faiths. Proposals for taxing temples that generate between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore in revenue have been sent to the Governor. He stated that this prevents temples from using their resources for reconstruction and paying priests fairly. Meanwhile, he noted that temple lands are being classified as government property and used for other purposes, which he believes are unacceptable double standards.

“Proposals for taxing temples with Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore in revenue have been sent to the Governor. This prevents temples from using their resources for reconstruction and paying priests fairly. Meanwhile, temple lands are being categorized as government property and used for other purposes. Such double standards are unacceptable,” he stated.