The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: A serious rift has emerged within the Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti over the proposed temple construction, with life members accusing the leadership of going back on written commitments and ignoring repeated queries raised by the general body. The controversy has brought questions of transparency, accountability and internal governance to the fore.
Life members point to a communication shared on July 21, 2024, by Chandu Bhaiji, outlining the assurances given by Sanjay Bhaiji and his team regarding the nature of the temple construction. According to the members, what is currently being built on the site does not align with those assurances, triggering widespread discontent within the Samiti.
Clarifying their stand, life members insist that there has never been any attempt to halt the temple project. “The issue is not about stopping the temple, but about truth and adherence to commitments,” a senior life member said. Sources said the differences became acute when four out of eight members parted ways, citing a fundamental disagreement over the construction method — stone structure versus RCC (reinforced cement concrete).
The letter addressed to Chandu Bhaiji, which explained the exit of the four members, reportedly stated that they were in favour of a stone-built temple, while a section of the leadership pushed for an RCC structure. This divergence, life members allege, was the real reason behind the split.
Life members are now asking why, despite a written assurance that the temple would be built in stone, the project appears to be moving in a different direction. They are also questioning the justification for sidelining members who raised objections based on the original commitment.
While reiterating that the temple will inevitably be built on the sacred land, life members stress that its foundation must rest on truth and collective consent, not on unilateral decisions. They allege that key decisions were taken without broader consultation, leaving life members in the dark.
Adding to the disquiet is the silence of the Samiti’s president, Pramod Murarka, and secretary, Manit Somani. Life members allege that despite repeated attempts, the two office-bearers have not responded to queries, a stance that has been described as “arrogant” by several members.
With the leadership yet to issue an official clarification, observers say the credibility of the Samiti now hinges on whether it addresses the concerns of its life members through transparency and open dialogue, failing which the internal discord could deepen further.
