Priyank Kharge, Supriya Shrinate allege RSS demolished temple to make parking space for its building
New Delhi: An anti-encroachment drive near the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Jhandewalan led to tense scenes on Saturday after a viral video alleged that an ancient temple had been demolished to create parking space for the organisation.
The video triggered widespread anger online and on the ground, even as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) maintained that the action was routine and followed due procedure.
The MCD carried out the demolition after issuing vacate notices around 45 days ago, officials said. According to civic authorities, the structures cleared during the operation were encroachments and the occupants “did not comply with the instructions issued earlier.” Police personnel were deployed at the site throughout the drive, and officials stated that most residents had vacated beforehand.
The situation changed dramatically once a video began circulating on social media, claiming that a nearly 1,500-year-old temple located near the RSS building had been razed. The clip alleged that the demolition was intended to clear land for RSS parking and further referred to a “15,000-year-old Gorakhnath temple” said to have continuous Ram Katha recitations. The video showed distressed residents questioning the authorities and expressing concern over the fate of religious structures believed to hold local significance.
Several locals claimed they were not given clear notice and accused officials of sudden displacement. Visuals showed women pleading with personnel in an attempt to halt the machinery. Residents said the demolition had affected long-standing homes and sacred sites, and demanded clarity on relocation and the purpose behind the timing of the drive.
However, civic officials offered a different account. An MCD source told PTI that the structures stood on a “dangerous stretch” and that nearly all occupants had already moved out, with only a few remaining at the site. The source added that the drive was conducted jointly with the Delhi Development Authority and that all procedural notices had been issued as required.
Despite the controversy, the MCD has not publicly commented on the viral allegation surrounding the temple, leaving several questions unanswered and public distrust unresolved.
The incident also drew political reactions. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge shared the viral clip on X, criticising the RSS and alleging that a temple was demolished for parking. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also commented on the issue, urging people to take note of the claims made in the viral video.
The “world’s largest NGO” is literally bulldozing temples to make a parking lot for viRSS spectacles.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) November 30, 2025
And the so called Hindu Hriday Samrats and Bulldozer Babas? Silent. Spineless. They roar on stages and rallies, but crawl at the feet of RSS. pic.twitter.com/nSAui7LvhE
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VHP warns of statewide stir in Karnataka against move to ease cattle transport law
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): The VHP on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, accusing the state government of weakening a law that has deterred illegal cattle transport.
The organisation's Go Raksha Wing, Karnataka South, has also announced district-level protests on December 8.
According to officials, the existing law mandates a bank guarantee for securing the release of vehicles seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation.
On December 4, the state Cabinet proposed an amendment enabling the release of such vehicles on an indemnity bond instead.
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Addressing reporters in Udupi, VHP leader and Prantha Goraksha Pramukh Sunil K R, said the government's move amounted to "sympathy for cattle lifters" and claimed that it was part of broader actions "targeting Hindus".
He argued that the law in its current form is stringent and has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of illegal cattle transport and theft.
Under the Act, vehicles involved in offences can be surrendered and, upon conviction, permanently seized by authorities. "Diluting these provisions will embolden offenders," Sunil said.
The VHP leader warned that easing the process of vehicle release would not only encourage violators but also result in rising cruelty against cattle.
Sunil further claimed that the strict enforcement of the 2020 law had brought down cases of cattle-related offences significantly. Rolling back these provisions, he said, could reverse those gains and would lead to an increase in illegal transport.
He reiterated that the government must reconsider its decision and preserve the integrity of the existing law.
