Haridwar: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has said 'love jihad' is not as big a "problem" in Uttarakhand as in other states, but asserted he would certainly take steps to stop it.
Speaking at a meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's Margdarshak Mandal, Rawat said he had recently held a meeting with officials to find out how prevalent the practice is in the hill state.
"The problem is not as big here as in some other states. But it is certain that I will take steps to stop it," Rawat said
The issue of love jihad figured prominently at the meeting with seers demanding stringent laws to put an end to the practice, sources said.
Meanwhile, Isha Foundation founder and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on Saturday congratulated Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat for his decision to release temples in the state from government control.
The decision, according to Vasudev, is a matter of great joy as 51 temples and shrines in Uttarakhand have been freed from government control.
"This should be a welcome step for the whole country and I wish more Chief Ministers take note of this and move in this direction," he said.
In his tweet, the spiritualist wrote: "Congratulations Shri Tirath Rawat ji, to govt of Uttarakhand & to all others who supported the #FreeTemples movement including media houses, over 3 cr people, & many spiritual & religious leaders who have stood up for this cause. I express my utmost gratitude to everyone."