DEHRADUN/GAIRSAIN, INDIA, March 11, 2026 (News 9 Live): A major religious decision has been taken in Uttarakhand ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2026 pilgrimage. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has passed a resolution prohibiting the entry of non-Hindus into 47 temples under its jurisdiction, including the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The resolution was passed during the BKTC’s budget meeting held on March 10 at its camp office in Dehradun. Chaired by BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi, the meeting approved a budget of US$13.1 million for the financial year 2026-27. The most closely watched proposal was the ban on non-Hindus, which was unanimously passed. BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi explained that the demand had been raised for a long time. He stated that only those who follow Sanatan Dharma and have faith in Baba Kedarnath and Badri Vishal are welcome. Entry of non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum and temple premises of 47 temples has now been prohibited.

The decision has sparked political and social debate. Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional and divisive. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned similar restrictions earlier at Har Ki Pauri, describing them as a violation of equality and a mockery of the Constitution. On the other hand, Dr. Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, supported the decision. He said that every religion has its own rules and sanctity, and outsiders should respect them. He compared the restriction to the rule in Mecca and Medina, where non-Muslims are not allowed entry. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has left the decision to temple committees. He stated that religious sites are managed by organizations like the Tirtha Sabha, Ganga Sabha, Kedar Sabha and BKTC, and decisions should be made in consultation with them. The government, he said, will respect the views of those who oversee these sacred places.

More at source.
https://www.news9live.com/india/no-entry-for-non-hindus-at-47-temples-including-badrinath-and-kedarnath-uttarakhand-passes-decision-ahead-of-char-dham-yatra-2941693

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