BJP backs religious bodies' token fast for opening of temples

Maharashtra unit of BJP on Saturday anunced its support for a token fast to be observed by various religious bodies on October 13 to demand reopening of temples in state amid COVID-19 pandemic. In an official statement, party's state unit chief Chandrakant Patil said, " state government has given permission to open liquor shops, restaurants and beer bars, but has kept temples and or religious places closed for more than seven months."

BJP has decided to extend its support to token fast, which will be undertaken by hes of various religious bodies on October 13, Patil said.

"We have asked our party workers to join cause in ir respective districts. agitation will be held outside temples across state," he ded.

Earlier in August, saffron party h std "ring bell" agitation across state, demanding reopening of places of worship, which have remained shut for over seven months in light of pandemic.