As the BJP intensifies its focus on Uttar Pradesh ahead of upcoming electoral battles, a surprising challenge has emerged from a constituency usually seen as one of its strongest pillars — sadhus, sanyasis, and temple communities. The new issue at the centre of tensions is the Survey of Illegal Religious Structures (SIR), a state-driven exercise aimed at identifying encroachments and unauthorized constructions on government land.

Why the SIR exercise is causing friction

Many saints and temple bodies in towns like Ayodhya, Mathura, and Varanasi view the survey with suspicion. They fear that traditional akharas, old ashrams, and age-old temple properties could get flagged as “encroachments” due to lack of modern documentation.

Several religious leaders claim the exercise, though administrative in nature, is being interpreted on the ground with excessive force or without adequate consultation.

‘Spiritual centres are not shops or plots’

Representatives of various akharas say that their establishments have existed for centuries, long before land records were digitally documented.
They argue:

• Many ashrams and dharamshalas were set up on donated land, often without formal papers.

• Saints and seers worry officials may not understand the historical context behind these structures.

• Temple towns depend heavily on religious institutions for cultural identity and economic activity.

This sentiment has created a rare moment where religious leadership is publicly expressing discomfort with a policy linked to a BJP-led administration.

BJP’s balancing act

For the BJP, this situation is extremely delicate. Temple towns are not just politically important — they symbolize the party’s ideological roots. A perception that religious institutions are being “questioned” or “targeted” can quickly escalate into a larger narrative battle.

To manage the situation, party leaders and district officials have begun:

• Holding meetings with mahants and temple boards

• Clarifying that SIR is intended to curb commercial misuse, not disrupt traditional establishments

• Assuring that historical temples and ashrams will receive special consideration

Opposition looks to exploit the opening

Sensing an unusual opportunity, opposition parties have begun highlighting the unease among sadhus and temple communities. They argue that the government’s administrative zeal is hurting the sentiments of its own core supporters.
Though still limited in scale, these concerns could influence public mood in districts where spiritual leaders enjoy enormous influence.

Temple towns at the heart of political strategy

Places like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura have been central to the BJP’s cultural messaging. Any friction here — even temporary — forces the party to recalibrate its outreach strategy. The coming months will likely see intensified communication, on-ground engagement, and reassurance campaigns to ensure that a policy meant for governance does not turn into a political liability.