BJP exploiting Ram's name for "politics games", claims Tarun Gogoi

Guwahati: A day after Prime Minister laid the foundation for the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, veteran Congressman and 3-time former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in a statement today called for harmony and amity among the Hindus and Muslims who have been at loggerheads over the construction of the temple.

In his statement, Gogoi also accused the BJP has been trying to exploit Ram's name for "narrow politics games". He further went on to claim that this exposes their intention of capturing political power and having a commitment towards Ram's ideology and philosophy.

"The day of performing Bhumi puja on 5th August 2020, undoubtedly will be remembered as a day of great national importance as it brings an end of bitter conflict between two parties of dispute belonging to two different religions," Gogoi said.

However, the veteran stated that this is a time when there is a feeling of insecurity and injustice among the minorities, dalits, and many other vulnerable sections of society. "There is a need to follow the footsteps to establish a peaceful, amiable, and harmonious atmosphere", he said,

"PM Modi also talked about Ram's ideology of social harmony which is the need of the hour and greater responsibilities lies on him. To carry out the ideals is much more important than the mere construction of a temple", Gogoi said, recalling the PM's message of unity during his address at the bhoomi poojan ceremony yesterday.

Lashing out against Hindutva (or hegemonic Hinduism), Gogoi said that it is "antithesis" to Rama's philosophy of love, justice, and truth. "Hindutva divides people whereas Hinduism represents India's composite culture by embracing all irrespective of caste, creed, etc. Let the bitterness between the two groups of Babri Masjid and Ram Temple conflict be buried and a new beginning commences to build a vibrant, modern and progressive India", he said.

Tarun Gogoi said that this can be done adequately by dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and "mainly to solve economic problem of creating jobs and livelihoods for millions of poor and vulnerable sections."

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