Shimla, Feb. 28 -- A fresh political controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress-led state government of financial mismanagement and misusing temple funds to fulfil its social welfare guarantees.

In response, Rajesh Dharmani, the state's Housing and Technical Education Minister, hit back at the BJP, strongly defending the government's decision to utilize religious institution funds for welfare schemes.

"BJP does not have the sole authority to represent Hinduism. Our religion teaches us to care for the most vulnerable sections of society. I am proud that our Chief Minister has taken an initiative to support those who need it the most, orphans who have no parents to care for the...