Dhoraji: The locals in Supedi village of Dhoraji talukas protested the district administration’s tactics to interefear in the administration of a 700 years old temple.

The locals complained that Mamlatdar has shut dhwajarohan and annakshetra and also formed a temple committee. The locals protested at the office of Deputy Collector and chanted slogans. The locals gave ultimatum to reverse the order in five days or face agitation. Around 500 persons including women from 35 villages and sadhus presented a memorandum to Dhoraji mamlatdar over this issue of Supedi Murli Manohar Mandir.

The protestors said that the mandir is managed by Mahant Ravidasbapu. His generations are involved in annakshetra, 26 Manorath during year and flag installation in addition to 56 Bhog Manorath, Annakut Manorath, Mala Peramni Manorath, Loti Utsav Manorath, Vaghaji Manorath, Manjan Manorath etc prabhu seva. All Manorath and prabhu seva are not chargeable.

However the district collector has recently formed a committee to manage the temple which is chaired by the district collector as president and deputy collector, MLA Dhoraji, Taluka Panchayat chief and Supedi gram panchayat sarpanch as members of the committee. Mahant Ravidas bapu and old trust is removed. According to DRajkot district panchayat’s former vice president and BJP leader Subhas Mankadiya, the mandir seva trust would run free Annakshetra and free flag installation. Both activities are discontinued by Mamlatdar of Dhoraji. This hurts the sentiments of people.