BJP-RSS has turned Ram temple consecration into Narendra Modi function: Rahul Gandhi on why Congress decided to skip it

Neeraj Mohan

Chiephobozou (Kohima), January 16

Terming the Ram Temple inauguration as a political event being organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP and RSS, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made it clear that he has no plans to visit Ram Temple, in Ayodhya during his 11 days stay of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, saying that religion should not be used for advantages.

“Some people use religion for their political gains, but for me, my religious principle is to live happily and respect others. People should keep religion personal, as it is not something to highlight outside,” Gandhi said, emphasising the need for individuals to follow their faith without showcasing or leveraging it for advantages.

Responding to questions about the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22 in Ayodhya, Gandhi said, “The program has become a political event organized by PM Modi, BJP and RSS. It is challenging for us to participate in a political function organised by them, which is why the Congress president has declined the invitation. However, we respect all religions, and anyone, including the Congress leaders, is free to attend if they wish to.”

“In my opinion, a person who is religious keeps his religion close to him and does not show or use it for advantages”, he added.

Replying to a question whether he would be going to Ayodhya during his long stay of 11 days of the yatra in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi said, “The route map of my Yatra has already been prepared and I would be in Assam on January 22”.

About the bickering and challenges between leaders of partner parties of INDIA bloc, Gandhi said, “The media try to overplay the normal discussions during the INDIA bloc meetings. There is mutual respect between leaders and it should not be treated otherwise.”

He said that the work for seat sharing is going smoothly. There are some complexities, but leaders are working on them. “I am confident that all issues will be resolved and we will jointly defeat the BJP.”

He said that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is pitching an ideological fight against the political, social, and economic injustice of the present regime and people are showing great support to this yatra, he added.

The previous leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra was resounding and even BJP praised it. “The model of the BJP is of social, political, and economic injustice, under which a few big and powerful people get access to all resources, leading to economic disparity. This yatra is an ideological fight against this model.”

“We want a peaceful India against the BJP’s model of injustice and economic disparity, which is leading to violence in several parts of the country”, he said adding that during this yatra he would raise these issues before the people.

Gandhi, who has concluded the first two days of his yatra in violence-hit Manipur said, “During my visit and meeting with the people of different organisations, I came to know that Manipur suffered gross injustice and BJP leaders – including the prime minister did not go there to share their pain”.

Even the people of Nagaland told me that the prime minister did not fulfil his commitment made to the people of Nagaland in 2015. A delegation of the Naga HOHO representing Naga organisations from different states met Rahul Gandhi and handed over a memorandum on the non-implementation of the framework agreement signed by the government of India and the NSCN-IM in August, 2015.

“I don’t understand why the prime minister makes promises which he cannot fulfil and there are several other such promises made by him which remain unfulfilled”, Gandhi added.

This is a hybrid yatra and most of the journey in the hills would be completed in the bus, but other places would be covered on foot.