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Comment by snambi | Hacker News Reader

India has 1000s of temples who serve food for free to anyone without asking questions. Why only talk about a govt project clearly aimed at getting votes of poor?

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I don't see anything wrong with this. All most everything done by governments are aimed at getting votes. Humans primarily operate by keeping it's self interest in mind. Giving food to poor at a reduced rate is definitely better than not giving food to poor. If this article inspires other governments to do similar things even if the primary motive is getting more votes I don't mind. I don't see why you are so pissed off about this.

Since I don't know the area – can you think of a reason this type of canteen is so popular if there's widely available, similar alternative? Sounds like there's something more to this – are the canteens simply cheaper because of subsidy? More efficient so less time waiting? Better location for the working population?

First, marketing by the congress party, they will talk about it relentlessly on TV/Newspaper/media etc.

Since it is run by congress party (govt) they can use the best real estate in town, which provides the highest visibility to the commuters.

If a democracy is working then government projects should be clearly aimed and guided by those voting.

yes, that is true.

There is no one religion in India. People of minorities may not be comfortable going to a temple. Also, langars and temple food is pro bono and excellent volunteer work. It's not supposed to be relied upon to feed people below the poverty line.

Temples are open for all. They don't discriminate anyone. Ofcourse, if you will feel awkward, if you try to do namaz inside a temple.

It's still a volunteer service. It can't be relied upon for consistent meals. This is the government's job; everything else is a helping hand.

That's not true, actually. I know of several temples that do not allow non-Hindus in, for example [0]. I don't necessarily have an opinion on that, but it's not as uncommon as you think. I hope we can keep this discussion from going down the rabbit hole of discrimination in temples.

[0]: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/legendary-singer-...

In India every tradition has its own temples. Most are open to all and some are open for their devotees. It's quite easy to find many temples within a few kilometer radius.

Each temple have their own tradition and they have the right to their own tradition. Now, allowing a non-devotee into the temple is their business. But that doesn't mean, one cannot find any temple anywhere.

> Each temple have their own tradition and they have the right to their own tradition

Hence the need for the government to step in and help out the hungry, instead of leaving it to temples, etc.

(Like I said, I don't necessarily disagree with who the temples choose to let in.)

Tradition is different from discrimination. Having your own tradition doesn't mean govt should step in promote themselves as saviors.

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