Dehradun, Feb. 1 -- A political row erupted over the proposed ban on the entry of non-Hindus into the Char Dham shrines, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) countering the Opposition Congress's allegation that the move was a "tactic to divert attention from burning issues" faced by the state. State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt alleged that Congress leaders have consistently obstructed decisions rooted in Sanatan Dharma, calling it a pattern of opposing what he described as faith-based public sentiment. Bhatt said: "Religious faith, belief and tradition should be respected. If priests, local clergy and people associated with the holy shrines wish to frame rules regarding entry, there is nothing wrong with that. Similar restrictions already exist at several places with public support. If someone has no faith, belief or religious connection with these sites, then what is the purpose of visiting them? A temple is a public place of collective worship, and no one should be allowed to disrupt its sanctity or atmosphere under the guise of tourism." He further alleged that the Congress has no understanding of the distinction between pilgrimage and tourism. "It seems the Congress has no connection with Sanatan Dharma, which is why it prioritises economics over the sanctity and traditions of the Char Dham. While the Char Dham pilgrimage plays a crucial role in the state's economy, all activities within the shrines must align with Sanatani values," Bhatt said. The state BJP president further said: "Congress leaders claim to represent Uttarakhand's identity in Devbhoomi, yet they oppose every decision rooted in Sanatan Dharma....