The BKTC will soon formulate a Special Operations (SOP) regarding VIP darshan at the Char Dham shrines, ensuring VIPs can easily visit the deities without inconvenience to the general public. BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi stated this to the media after meeting with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He reiterated that the mythology, tradition, and identity of the shrines will be maintained at all costs. Regarding the Kedar Sabha’s objection to him, he stated that he was welcomed as a special guest in the temple premises wearing a robe, while his own priests performed the puja and rituals in the sanctum sanctorum. The BKTC President stated that the pilgrimage had begun when he assumed office. VIP movement occurs from across the country. All pilgrimage sites and shrines have a protocol in place for VIPs. This protocol will be properly established so that the general public faces no difficulties when the doors open next time. A concrete strategy is underway. He has met with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in this regard. In response to a question, he stated that there has been no interference in the work of the Tirtha Purohit. Whenever a guest arrives from outside, the temple committee presents a robe in the courtyard as a mark of respect. The Tirtha Purohits performed the puja in the sanctum sanctorum. He stated that the Kedar Sabha is an ancient institution; Rajkumar Tiwari, the president, and the office bearers are all family members. There are no disagreements. If there is any misunderstanding, we will sit and discuss it. It is noteworthy that the Kedar Sabha had written a letter to CM Dhami expressing its objection in this regard. CM briefed on the Chardham Yatra Shri Badrinath-Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chairman Hemant Dwivedi met Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his official residence and briefed him on the Chardham Yatra. He informed that a record number of over 3.1 million pilgrims have visited the Badrinath-Kedarnath shrines this season. Chief Minister Dhami stated that the flow of pilgrims visiting the shrines should continue uninterrupted. The Chief Minister also stated that the government will sympathetically consider all development plans related to the Chardham Yatra to ensure its successful conduct, ensuring that pilgrims do not face any difficulties along the pilgrimage routes. He also offered several suggestions regarding the Chardham Yatra, which the temple committee will work on. The BKTC President stated that the BKTC will soon develop a systematic plan to implement the Chief Minister’s suggestions.
