Jaipur Temple Demolitions: Hindu Groups’ Chakka Jam Creates Chaos

Some temples were demolished for the Jaipur Metro construction, which angered the RSS, leading to today’s chakka jam.

The remains of a demolished temple at Chhoti Chaupar. The temple is being relocated to make way for a metro station. (Photo: Surendra Jain Paras)

The last few weeks haven’t been great for Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje. The Opposition has been clamouring for her resignation ever since her personal and business relationship with tainted former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has come to light.

Now, to make matters worse, it seems she may be facing the battle from within her own political parivaar.

The Rajasthan government has had to demolish several temples over the last few months to make way for the Jaipur Metro. Most of these temples were illegal constructions.

A Chakka Jam was observed by Hindu groups today, bringing the city to a complete halt.

(Photo: Surendra Jain Paras)

The demolition of six temples located within the walled city however, have invited an outburst from the RSS.

Mandir toote hain… samaj mein aakrosh hai… aur Sangh bhi to samaaj se hi bana hai (temples have been demolished, there is anger in the society and the Sangh will reflect that)
– Vivek Gupta of the RSS to Indian Express

One of the temples at Chhoti Chaupar, just before destruction. (Photo: Surendra Jain Paras)

The Jaipur administration has said that it is merely following the 2009 Supreme Court order which calls for the demolition of illegal structures.

The RSS however, remains unconvinced and has called for a two-hour chakka jam on Thursday.

(Photo: Surendra Jain Paras)

Vasundhara Raje, who is already under fire over her ties to Lalit Modi, is probably hoping the issue doesn’t escalate further.