With elections in Uttar Pradesh round the cornor, can the chants for construction of Ram Mandir be far behind. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi chanted `Jai Sri Ram’ in Dussehra festival in lucknow the mad race for Hindu votes has begun with leaders of all hues now talking about Ayodhya.
Eyeing a pie in Hindu vote bank Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced funds for modernization of International ram lila Complex in Ayodhya. The decision was announced after Modi Government announced Rs 225 crore for Ramayana circuit – of which Rs 151 crore is being earmarked for Ayodhya.
Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma was in Ayodhya on Tuesday to see progress in Ramayana circuit – which Union Government wants to develop as tourist destination. “My visit to Ayodhya is nothing to do with UP Elections,” he said with tongue firmly in his cheek. But statement has sent signals loud and clear.
Questioning the Opposition for raking up his Ayodhya visit, the Union Minister said,” it is our culture to take blessings from our saints and sadhus.We are trying to serve lord Ram by making a museum as everyone do not get such opportunity,” he said, while adding that he has also sought advise from Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on the selection of the place for the museum.
“My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I am visiting here as a Tourism Minister. This is part of government’s effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country,” said Dr Sharma.
Ram Janmabhoomi Nayas Chairman Nritya Gopal Das added a new flavour to this controversy when said in Ayodhya that no one can stop construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya now. “Modi aa gaye … samajh lo Mandir bun gaya, (Modi has come temple will be constructed now),” he said. It all started with BJP Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy who had said in Allahabad that Ram temple would be constructed soon and the court could give its verdict. It was followed by another Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha Member and firebrand leader Vinay Katiyar who demanded construction of Ram temple at the earliest in Ayodhya and suggested that if required a legislation should be brought in the Parliament regarding this.
“It’s not only Swami who is talking about Ram temple, every Ram Bhakt wants a grand Ram temple at the earliest,” Katiyar had said. Opposition see a design in sudden cacophony over Temple construction. BSP Chief Mayawati said the tacit relationship between Samajwadi Party and BJP has been exposed. The BJP government sanctions fund for Ramlila Complex and Samajwadi party government in UP provides land. This is done with a design to raise communal temperature during elections,” BSP chief said. Congress spokesman Amarnath Agarwal said that Ram Mandir was always in the political agenda of BJP. It brings it out in every election from the closet to gain political mileage. The fact is, BJP has been exposed and this time it will not work,” he said.