A controversial video of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha event has sparked anger within the ruling BJP, who accused the Congress leader of “repeatedly insulting Hindus.”
In the video, Gandhi expressed his concerns about the consecration ceremony, claiming that the organizers prioritized inviting celebrities over representatives from marginalized communities. He said, “Many celebrities were invited… they called Amitabh Bachchan, Adani, Ambani, but they didn’t invite a single labourer. Did anyone see a farmer, a labourer? Naach-gaana chal raha tha (Dance was going on).”
Watch:
BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for his ‘naach gaana’ remark regarding the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha event.
“The Congress party repeatedly insults Hindus”: @Shehzad_Ind
‘Rahul Gandhi is an anarchist. He keeps making senseless remarks’: @AcharyaPramodk tells @anchoramitaw… pic.twitter.com/3I6TtWyAu2
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 28, 2024
This remark drew sharp criticism from the BJP. National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of insulting Hindus and questioned if he would make similar remarks about other religions. He said, “From Sanatan Samapt to Sanatan Beemari hai to Hindu dharm dhokha to abusing Ram Charitmanas – INDI alliance believes in Hindu Astha par karo chot Lena hai vote bank ka vote.”
In defense of Gandhi, Congress MP Manickam Tagore supported his statement, explaining that special access was granted to Bollywood stars and wealthy individuals, while the people of Ayodhya were left outside. Tagore emphasized, “We all know that the people of Ayodhya had to wait outside while the Bollywood stars and the super-rich people of India were present at the main venue. Rahul Gandhi is also advocating the same thing that the way the pooja was closed for an aam aadmi but the super rich were given access to the event.”
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony, held on January 22, featured the consecration of a 51-inch idol of Lord Ram Lalla, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj. The event was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the rituals at the newly constructed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
