DG of Home guards and the second most senior IPS in the state, Surya Kumar Shukla created a flutter by taking pledge for the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.
Shukla took the pledge at a function in lucknow and it’s video clip went viral on the social media creating problem for the officer who is set to retire in August this year.
The DG (Home Guard) not only participated in an event on Ram Mandir organised at lucknow University two days ago, but was also captured on camera taking a pledge to build Ram temple. “We Ram-bhakts, today, as part of this programme, take this pledge that Ram Mandir be constructed at the earliest. Jai Shri Ram,” the video showed Shukla, 1982 batch IPS officer, pledging. Many other people were also seen taking the pledge with him at the event, where slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ rented the air.
Ironically when asked on this score Shukla said that he had done nothing wrong. “I was taking a pledge to create an atmosphere of harmony. The video which went viral is an edited version and portions have been deleted deliberately to create mischief,” he said.
“It is misinterpretation... The matter related more to creating a peaceful environment for construction of the temple rather than the construction itself,” he said.
Shukla said that there was a discussion at the programme that if Hindus and Muslims spoke about the construction of a temple in Ayodhya and a mosque at a distance, then the dispute would end.
“Even the Supreme Court has suggested that a way be found through talks,” he said.
Commenting on the video, SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary termed it a violation of Service Rules by the IPS officer.
“Shukla is a public servant, he is not supposed to take such a pledge at a public function,” he said. Congress leader Deepak Singh said, “Till now, leaders use to befool people in the name of temple, now officers are doing it. The government should take note of this.”
BJP spokespersons were not ready to comment on the episode, claiming they had not seen the video .