News Brief
Karnataka Minister K N Rajanna Calls Ayodhya's Ramlalla As 'Dolls In A Tent', VHP Attributes It To Congress' Frustration
Nayan Dwivedi
Jan 17, 2024, 01:03 PM | Updated 01:03 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Karnataka Minister and Congress leader K N Rajanna has sparked controversy with his comments on the Ayodhya Ram Temple, alleging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of constructing temples for electoral gains.
As reported by India Today, he compared the sacred site to "two dolls kept in a tent", claiming there was no divine vibration.
"There are Ram temples with a history dating back thousands of years. These are holy places. Now, the BJP is building temples for elections. The BJP is cheating people. I went there when Babri Masjid was demolished, they kept two dolls in a tent and called it Lord Ram," he said.
In response, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar attributed such statements to Congress leaders' frustration and disappointment over their decision to skip the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram temple on 22 January.
"Someone said that the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) was not built where the Babri Masjid once stood. All such statements are due to disappointment and frustration," he said.
"It is their (Congress leaders') arrogance because of which they have declined. But still, I would like to say that they should come," the VHP leader further said.
Meanwhile, Rajanna later clarified that his remarks were based on past experiences and emphasised that he would reassess upon revisiting Ayodhya.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.