Venkaiah Naidu disapproves of Shankaracharya Saraswati's Remarks

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today disapproved of Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati's remarks that 'women's entry in Shani Shingapur temple will lead to rise in rape cases'.

Mr. Naidu tweeted his disapproval.

Politely disagree wid d views expressed by Swami Swaroopananda Ji abt women's entry in Shani Shingnapur temple will brng ill luck 2 them 1/2

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) April 12, 2016

and give rise to crimes against them; and attributing drought situation in Maharashtra to Shirdi Saibaba worship (2/2)

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) April 12, 2016

Mr. Naidu's statement comes after Shankaracharya stated that "the entry of women into the famous Shingnapur shrine which is devoted to Lord Shani will drive more rapes".

Commenting on the drought situation in Maharashtra, the religious leader had said, "The unworthy Sai is being worshipped while the real Gods are ignored. This is happening in Maharashtra and particularly in Shirdi. Hence, Maharashtra is facing drought".

Women activists on Monday too had termed Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati's remarks as "outrageous and appalling".

Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati had commented on lifting of ban on entry of women in the famous Shani temple in Maharashtra.

Women activists had demanded his apology, failing which they have threatened to stage protests.

Right to pray:

Under right to pray women activists have been asking entry into inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur temple. Yesterday the activists got to enter the inner sanctum of the temple and worship Shani.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra had also supported their right to pray and sought that the temple authorities to hold a dialogue with the women's group that is campaigning for entry of female devotees into the inner sanctum of the temple.

Minister of state for home Ram Shinde too had said that the government will facilitate talks between the temple authorities and women activists to arrive at an amicable solution. He had further clarified that the women activists were arrested as they had violated the CrPC Section 144 which had been imposed by police (banning assembly of people).

Devendra Fadnavis on right to pray:

The CM had tweeted that, "Indian culture and Hindu religion gives women have the right to pray. A change in yesterday's traditions is our culture. Discrimination in praying is not in our culture. The temple authorities should resolve the issue through a dialogue".