'A reflection of the secularism of India, no other country…': Amit Shah on the Ram Temple verdict
Amit Shah underlined that there were fears that unrest might arise after the Supreme Court verdict, but these fears were unfounded as the country enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere.
Parliament session: Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was including all sections of society in the Ram temple issue and described the Supreme Court's judgment on the issue as a reflection of India's secular character before the world.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and its dedication ceremony on January 22, he said that in no other country has the majority community waited so long for an issue related to its faith.
The Home Minister said Ram is not a person but a symbol of an ideal life for millions of Indians and that is why he is known as “Maryada Purushottam”.
“The concept of Ram Rajya is not meant for any particular religion or sect. Ram Rajya symbolizes an ideal state not only for India but for the entire world,” he said.
People who imagine India without Ram do not know the country and symbolize the era of slavery, he said, noting that the illustrations of the God and the “Ram Darbar” were also given space in the Constitution.
January 22 will be historic for thousands of years, Shah said.
Shah underlined that there were fears that unrest might arise after the Supreme Court ruling, but these fears were unfounded as the country enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere.
In a unanimous verdict in 2019 in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the construction of the temple and directed the Center to allot an alternate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for its construction of a new mosque. at a “prominent” place in Ayodhya.
The Supreme Court's verdict on the Ram temple showed India's secular character to the world, Shah said.
He also praised all those who took part in the long struggle on various fronts over the Ram temple issue.
The people's struggle for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya started in 1528 and the legal battle for it started in 1858, he said, adding that everything came to an end on January 22, which rejuvenated India's faith and marked the beginning of the journey of a great India.
He recalled that the BJP had passed a resolution during the Palampur executive meeting in 1989 stating that the construction of the Ram temple should not be associated with any religion.
The BJP had declared its support for the construction of the Ram temple with the passage of what has come to be known as the Palampur Resolution, and its senior leader LK Advani launched its Rath Yatra a year later.
This was a movement for the revival of the country's consciousness. Therefore, we will liberate the Ram Janmabhoomi legally and build a Ram temple on that site, he said in the House.
The construction of the temple is the journey from struggle to devotion, from chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Jai Sia Ram', he said, praising Modi for his leadership and the tough religious discipline he subjected himself to for 11 days . until the January 22 ceremony.
In an apparent swipe at some opposition members, he said those who imagine India without Lord Ram do not know India.
Critics mocked the BJP for its promises, claiming they were borne out of electoral demands, he said, alleging that the Modi government also banned triple talaq and fulfilled many other commitments.
The BJP and its leader Modi do what they say, he said.
Indian culture cannot be separated from Ramayana, Shah said, adding that a more than 300-year struggle ended with the inauguration of the Ram mandir.
“The date of January 22 marks the beginning of the journey of great India. This day paves the way for Maa Bharti (mother India) to take us on the path to becoming Vishwaguru (world leader). It was a day that marked the hopes, aspirations and achievements of millions of devotees,” Shah said, adding that the Ram mandir is a sign of cultural rejuvenation.
Shah said the journey that started on January 22 will continue and expressed confidence that the Modi government will return to power in 2024 after the general elections.
The Ram Mandir was built as per a legal and constitutional mandate, Shah said, adding that the BJP remained patient and the Ram temple in Ayodhya was constructed in a “harmonious environment”.
No political slogans were raised during the inauguration ceremony, Shah said, adding: “I say with folded hands accepting the message of unity and moving forward.”
Addressing critics, he said they should accept the overwhelming sentiment of the people on the issue and not dent the atmosphere of joy and devotion.
Recalling the contribution of BJP veteran Advani with his 'Rath Yatra', he said it was an awakening for people and Modi finally fulfilled their aspirations during his tenure.
(Only the headline was reworked by India.com staff. The copy is from an agency feed)