'Hindus only' sign at Kankalitala temple in Birbhum sparks debate
A "Hindus only" sign popped up at Kankalitala temple in Birbhum, West Bengal, causing a stir over who gets to visit sacred spaces.
The banner was reportedly installed by unidentified youths claiming affiliation with Sanatan Paksha, has kicked off fresh conversations about religious inclusivity and politics in the state.
Priests affirm temples welcome, BJP distances
The temple priest clarified that the banner wasn't official. Everyone's welcome inside, though Hindus usually perform rituals.
Over at Tarapith temple, senior priest Pulak Chatterjee rejected the idea of exclusion, saying temples here have always opened their doors to all faiths: "several non-Hindu VIPs have visited the temple and paid tribute in the past without controversy"
Meanwhile, a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said temples should be run by their own authorities and distanced his party from the controversy.