Prime Minister Narendra Modi today performed the bhoomi pujan or ceremonial stone laying ceremony for the Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Modi, flanked by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other dignitaries compared the day with Independence Day.
He said, “Just as August 15 is testimony to the sacrifices made by lakhs of people, the Ram Mandir bears testimony to centuries of struggle.” State too celebrated the day with people from all walks of society welcoming the bhumi pujan. BJP as well as Congress leaders celebrated the bhumi pujan claiming Lord Ram’s legacy.
Back in the State, BJP legislative party leader and former chief minister Babulal Marandi welcomed the bhumi pujan. Marandi in his tweet said, “Lord Rama symbolizes Indian culture and human values. The day had come after 500 years. By laying the bhumi pujan for grand, divine and supernatural Ram temple history has been created in Ayodhya. With the bhumi pujan, a new chapter of national unity and harmony will start in India.” Marandi on the occasion congratulated the people of State and country having faith on Lord Rama.
Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das in his congratulatory message said that the auspicious moment has come, which the country had waited for years. “Hearty congratulations to the devotees on this important day. Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed bhumi pujan for the construction of a grand temple to be built on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. On this occasion my condolences is also to those who contributed to this struggle of 500 years,” said Das.
BJP MP from Ranchi Sanjauy Seth said that after 500 years of struggle and 150 years of court trials the auspicious day has come. Seth said that for the first time that Deepotsav or Diwali will be celebrated twice a year in the country. He said, “Entire country including Ranchi is celebrating the day. The entire Capital has been decorated in Saffron colour.” The BJP MP also distributed sweets among people in his assembly constituencies falling under his Lok Sabha segment.
Apart from these the BJP cadres celebrated the day by lighting lamps and bursting crackers at party offices. The BJP cadres beat drums and bugle conch shells.
The Ram temple bhumi pujan has brought BJP and Congress closer. The Congress too celebrated the day. State Congress president lit lamps at Congress bhawans and distributed sweets among the people. The Congress too has claimed legacy over Lord Rama.
The Congress leaders claim that it was former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government who ordered the locks on the Babri Masjid gates to reopen allowing saints to worship. The Congress claimed that the bhumi pujan of Ram temple has already been done. Congress MLA too has welcomed the bhumi pujan.
Congress MLA from Barkagaon, Amba Prasad said that on the occasion of bhumi pujan people should be idealistic, honest, simple, gentle, thankful, determined, compassionate, public benevolent, knowledgeable, patient and compassionate. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) lit around 25,000 earthen lamps across the Capital. The Mahavir Mandals have put up Mahaviri flags and cut-outs of Lord Rama outside Akharas.