Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had not only laid the foundation of modern India but also did the same for Ram temple, claimed MPCC in newspaper advertisements published on Thursday on the occasion of birth anniversary of the late politician.
Published by senior Congress leader Govind Goyal and his associates, the advertisement claimed that Gandhi’s all the speeches reflected a zeal to make India strong and great. “He was the one who laid the foundation of Ram Rajya in India,” said the publicity material, he (Rajiv Gandhi) on one side paved the way for establishment of a modern India and on the other, took care of Indian’s faith and religious beliefs.
The advt underlined several facts to emphasise on Gandhi’s inclination to concept of Ram Rajya. Based on his efforts, telecast of Ramayana started in year 1985, said the ad claiming Gandhi was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’ Ram Rajya concept.
After convincing then UP Chief Minister Veer Bahadur Singh, Gandhi got Ram janmbhumi site unlocked in year 1986, it added. The publicity material went on to add that Gandhi had permitted Ram mandir foundation laying in year 1989 and sent Home minister Buta Singh to be part of the ceremony.
In his last press briefing in Chennai, Gandhi had claimed that Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya, added the advertisement.
To add MPCC chief Kamal Nath was among first Congress leaders who had wholeheartedly welcomed Ram temple foundation laying on Aug 5. His partyman Digvijay Singh too had backed temple construction in Ayodhya, though he had reservations on the date selected for the auspicious ceremony.
Nath in his statements is repeatedly crediting late Pm Rajiv Gandhi for initiating process for Ram temple construction in Ayodhya.
BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal called it a lie from Nath saying he (Rajiv Gandhi) is being credited for unlocking ram janmbhumi site but was he not responsible for massacre of Sikhs following killing of his mother.