Political row over entry fee on Shiva devotees at Dalma Temple Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 15: The Forest Department’s recent decision to impose an entry fee on devotees visiting the ancient Shiva temple atop Dalma hills during the holy month of Shravan has sparked political and religious outrage.

Terming the move as an attack on Sanatan Dharma, BJP leaders have strongly opposed the decision. Former BJP District Media In-charge Ankit Anand called it a “Tughlaqi Farman” on his X handle (Twitter) and demanded immediate revocation from Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner. BJP State Spokesperson Pratul Shahdev also condemned the move, labeling it as a “modern-day Jiziya tax” and a direct assault on religious freedom.

Former BJP District President Dinesh Kumar criticized the double standard of the state government, highlighting how crores of rupees were spent on facilitating devotees at Deoghar and Basukinath, while Dalma’s devotees were being taxed. He urged the Seraikela Deputy Commissioner to intervene.

Meanwhile, resentment is brewing among several Hindu organizations, with sources indicating that protests and mass movements were being planned in opposition to the order.

BJP leader demands rollback of tax on Dalma Shiva devotees

Seraikela, July 15: BJP Backward Caste Front State Secretary Hemant Kumar Keshari has demanded immediate withdrawal of the entry tax imposed on Shiva devotees visiting the Dalma temple during Shravan.

In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Keshari said the Forest Department’s move to charge fees from vehicles entering Dalma hills for religious worship was an “intellectually flawed” decision and a direct attack on Hindu faith.

He emphasized that thousands of devotees from Kolhan and other districts had been visiting the temple for years without any such imposition, and the sudden tax collection move was unacceptable. The BJP, he said, strongly opposed this action and called for an immediate investigation and rollback