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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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
