Women have right to pray; hold talks to end temple row: Fadnavis

Mumbai: Maintaining that women have right to pray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday favoured a dialogue between authorities of Shani Shingnapur temple and activists to find a way out over the ban on entry of female devotees into the inner sanctum of the shrine.

He urged the temple authorities to hold a dialogue with the women's group that is campaigning for entry of female devotees into the inner sanctum of the shrine in Ahmednagar district.

"Indian culture and Hindu religion gives women have the right to pray. A change in yesterday's traditions is our culture. Discrimination in praying is not in our culture. The temple authorities should resolve the issue through a dialogue," tweeted Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio.

Trupti Desai (in pink) who headed the protest by women activists for entry to the Shani Shignapur temple complex participate in dharna at the temple in Ahmadnagar district on Tuesday. Pic/PTI

Minister of State for Home Ram Shinde said the government will facilitate talks between the temple authorities and women activists to arrive at an amicable solution.

"If there is a dispute between activists and temple authorities over allowing women access to the (Shani Shingnapur) temple, the state government will act as facilitator for talks between them so that the issue can be resolved amicably," Shinde told PTI.

"The activists (members of Bhumata Brigade) were detained as they had violated the law. CrPC Section 144 had been imposed by police (banning Assembly of people) which they did not adhere to.

"As far as their religious views are concerned, it is the government's duty to ensure that the issue is resolved," he said.