Goshamahal BJP MLA Raja Singh said that countries such as America, Thailand, Indonesia, and certain European nations feature images of Hindu gods on their currency notes. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace Mahatma Gandhi with Lord Ram on the upcoming Rs 500 banknotes, citing it as the “demand of 100 crore Indians.” However, fact-checking reveals that the claims made by Singh are inaccurate.
Raja Singh specifically pointed to Indonesia as an example where he stated, “Indonesia has 87% Muslim population. It still displays Hindu gods (Lord Ganesha) on its 20,000 rupiah currency. India must do the same with Lord Rama’s image on the Rs. 500 note.”
Contrary to his statement, in 2008, Indonesia demonetized its 20,000 rupiah banknote, which indeed featured Lord Ganesha.
Singh’s assertion that America, Thailand, and certain European nations have Hindu gods on their currency has been debunked. These countries do not feature Hindu deities on their banknotes.
The Goshamahal MLA’s remarks were made in support of a false claim circulating on social media that new Rs 500 banknotes featuring Lord Ram, instead of Mahatma Gandhi, will be issued on January 22. This date coincides with the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The misleading post also suggests that Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir will replace the Red Fort, and an illustration of a bow and arrow will be incorporated.
