Edited by Deepali Verma
Karnataka minister and Congress leader KN Rajanna has stirred up a controversy stating that the BJP is cheating people in the name of Lord Ram and drew the comparison of the deity to “two dolls kept in a tent”.
“There are Ram temples that carry with them a history of over thousands of years. These are holy places but the BJP is now constructing temples for elections. The BJP is cheating people. I was present there when Babri Masjid was being demolished, they had kept the two dolls in a tent and called it Lord Ram,” he said.
“Back at home when I visit the Ram temple, there is an increased sensation that one can feel. In Ayodhya, we felt nothing. It was like dolls in touring talkies,” the minister added.
Rajanna, later clarifying his statement, stated, “I said that to you all as there were dolls kept in the tent. I don’t know what is there now. But, once I go, I will see and tell you what is there.”
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar, in response said that such statements were a result of “frustration” and “disappointment” for the Congress leaders as they decided to not take part in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya that is scheduled on January 22.
“Once someone remarked that the garbhagriha (sanctum-sanctorum) was not built where the Babri Masjid previously stood. All such statements are a result of disappointment and frustration,” he said.
“Ram Lalla will find his seat in the sanctum-sanctorum. There is no need for any deviation from any kind of false propaganda,” he added.
Kumar further stated that the Congress leaders refused to visit the Ram Temple for the consecration owing to their “arrogance”.
