New Delhi: The BJP has strongly responded to a remark made by Bihar’s education minister Chandra Shekhar regarding the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22. Union Minister Nityanand Rai stated that the Opposition should worship pictures of Babar and Afzal Guru, displaying their enmity towards Lord Ram and the Ram Temple.
Rai emphasized the importance of cultural freedom and expressed his confusion over the repeated opposition towards the construction of the Ram Temple. He questioned the intentions and policies of those opposing the temple, suggesting that they might hang pictures of Babar and Afzal Guru to worship them. He argued that the country needs individuals like Ashfaqulla Khan and Captain Abdul Hamid, not Babur, Afzal Guru, or Jinnah’s ‘jinn’.
In response to Rai’s comments, Shekhar had earlier stated that the country needs more schools than temples. He referred to the upcoming ceremony in Ayodhya and questioned the priority of education versus religious structures. Shekhar raised the question of where people would go if injured, to a temple or a hospital. He further emphasized that education is essential for societal progress and criticized the overemphasis on religious sites as tools of exploitation.
The remark made by Shekhar holds significance as it comes amidst preparations for the highly anticipated Ram Temple consecration ceremony. While some political leaders like Rai believe that the construction of the temple is a matter of cultural importance and unity, others like Shekhar argue for a greater focus on education to drive progress and development in the country.
The reference to Babar and Afzal Guru in Rai’s statement adds a controversial dimension to the discourse. Babar was an emperor who established the Mughal empire in India, while Afzal Guru was convicted for his involvement in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. By suggesting that the Opposition should worship these individuals, Rai is invoking a strong response from his political rivals.
The contrasting views expressed by the BJP and the Bihar education minister highlight the ongoing debates surrounding the allocation of resources and priorities in the country. While the construction of the Ram Temple holds immense religious and cultural significance for a large section of the population, others argue for a greater emphasis on education and infrastructure development.
The upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple will continue to be a focal point for discussions and debates in the days leading up to January 22. The differing opinions on this issue reflect the diverse perspectives within Indian society and the complex challenges faced by the country in balancing religious sentiments and societal progress.
