'What is happening in Ayodhya is a political program of BJP'; Lord Ram is standing in corridor of Birla Mandir where Gandhi died, says VD Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan alleged that what was happening in Ayodhya was a political program of the BJP. Satheesan said that the Congress does not have any issue with Lord Ram or Ayodhya but disagrees with the Sangh Parivar's attempt to politicize the temple and religion. He was speaking while releasing the booklet of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

"Lord Ram is not with BJP. Ram is standing in the corridor of the Birla Mandir where Gandhiji died. Our Ram is there. BJP's Ram is a politically created one. Ram is the idol of all Hindus in India. The problem is not with Ram or Ayodhya. We disagree with the Sangh Parivar's attempt to politicize the temple and religion. This is the political stance of the Congress," Satheesan said.

"AICC has clarified the position of Congress on the Ayodhya issue. Individuals, not parties, were invited to the function. The invited leaders consulted with the party. What is happening in Ayodhya is a political program. BJP is trying to politicize religion and make places of worship a centre of political activity ahead of the elections. The Congress' stand is that it cannot agree with that. Congress has taken a clear stand that politicization of religion is unacceptable," he said.

"NSS can say their opinion. We will not impose our opinion on anyone. Congress has taken a political decision. Shankaracharyas, the descendants of Adi Shankara and the abbots of the four mutts, have said that the BJP is politicizing Ayodhya. The Hindu community has also become aware of the politicization of Ayodhya. Any devotee can visit the temple. However, the problem is that the BJP is politicizing the ceremony," Satheesan added.