Sadguru backs idea of 'one nation one election'

Spritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on Saturday backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of simultaneous elections, saying when politicians are in poll mode throughout the year, one can only expect rhetoric and not reason. Speaking at India Today Conclave South 2021, Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, said election time in India had become a period of meaningless rhetoric and bluster. "I am glad Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken it up. There must be one parliamentary election in 5 years and after two-and-a-half years, assembly polls should be held together. So, twice you are getting the opportunity to find your political grip. When a politician is in election mode throughout the year, you can't expect much reason but only rhetoric," he said. He also asserted that the Election Commission should be given more powers and a 90-day time limit should be fixed for campaigning.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said temples were being run as "some kind of business" in India and expressed concern over the alarming state of decline of thousands of shrines in Tamil Nadu. Quoting the TN Government Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department's submission to the Madras High Court last year, Sadhguru said, "11,999 temples did not see a single pooja taking place. 34,000 temples are struggling with (revenue of) less than Rs 10,000 a year and 37,000 temples have (appointed) just one person for pooja, maintenance, security etc." Sadhguru further said that despite owning over half-a-million acres of land under temples and 2.33 crore sq ft of buildings, the revenue generated was only Rs 128 crore per crore. "Out of this, 14% goes for auditing and management, while 1-2% goes for pooja and festivals," he said. "The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee manages 85 gurdwaras and their budget is Rs 1,000 crore per year. See what a great job they are doing in serving their community. On the other hand, out of 44,000 temples, we generate Rs 128 crore. What to say about this management," Sadhguru said.

He also said the Tamil Nadu government should free temples from its control and hand them over to devotees."We are documenting about 1,000 temples in Tamil Nadu. Tremendous works of art and architecture has been destroyed and vandalised, used to construct other buildings. The UNESCO has said that Tamil Nadu temples are in a state of decay," he said. "87 per cent of Tamil Nadu population belongs to the Hindu community. Out of the 87%, you can't find 25 people and form a board responsible enough and competent enough to manage this," he questioned. Sadhguru said that irrespective of caste and creed, temples should be open to everybody.