The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's president, Hemant Dwivedi, recently made a controversial remark stating that actress Sara Ali Khan would need to submit an affidavit proving her Sanatani beliefs in order to enter the temple. This statement was made in the context of preparing for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, which begins on April 19. Dwivedi emphasized that all non-Hindus wishing to seek blessings at the temple would be required to submit a similar affidavit.

Kangana Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress and vocal supporter of Hindutva, shared her thoughts on Dwivedi's statement during a media interaction. She stated that everyone present in the country should be considered Sanatani, arguing that the essence of Sanatan is timeless and represents the ultimate truth beyond organized religions, which she claimed are relatively recent in comparison. Ranaut's comments seem to advocate for inclusivity within the Sanatani ideology while also critiquing the divisive rhetoric regarding entry to religious sites.

The situation opens a broader discussion about religious identity and the access to religious spaces in India, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. With the pilgrimage season approaching, the temple authorities are emphasizing specific entry criteria, which may affect many intending pilgrims, potentially causing unrest or controversy among the visitors, particularly given the polarized views on Hindu identity and religious inclusivity.