Hitting out at NCP supremo Sharad Pawar’s remarks on the temple construction amid COVID pandemic and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s backing to it, the VHP on Monday called their objections “beyond comprehension” and said various activities can’t be put off during the health crisis.
“… all social, religious, and spiritual activities must go on. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple issue cannot remain on the back burner. It is only appropriate that the Prime Minister visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, perform ‘bhumipujan’ and the temple construction proceeded,” VHP International Working President Alok Kumar said.
He stressed that since the health crisis was here to stay for a while, other works cannot be put away. “The country and its life cannot be put on a standstill for an indefinite time,” Kumar said, pointing out how Unlock 1.0 and 2.0 were effected keeping this in mind.
A day earlier, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Pawar said: “We always think about what should be prioritised. As of now, our priority is to help those infected with coronavirus to recover. Some people think that coronavirus will go away after the temple is constructed.”
On Saturday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust met to decide on the date for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the religious function.
The construction was to begin a few months ago, but postponed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in March.
The VHP chief also said that the organisation was conscious of the fact that the construction had to be done while following all healthcare precautions and guidelines of the government in view of the pandemic.
“Only a small number of people will be invited to the religious ceremony,” he added.
As for Pawar’s emphasis on “priority”, Kumar said: “We believe that the central and UP governments, as well as other states, are engaged in a determined war against coronavirus on all fronts. They have successfully contained the pandemic. India is moving ahead in finding a vaccine.”
