Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed pride in having been present during the demolition of the Babri structure on December 6, 1992. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis defended the BJP’s involvement in the Ram temple consecration ceremony against opposition criticism.
“Whoever believes in Ram, that person can participate in the ongoing celebration of the Ram temple inauguration,” Fadnavis stated, addressing political allegations. He pointed out that he actively participated in three ‘kar seva’ campaigns and took pride in being present when the Babri mosque structure was brought down.
“Some people were never part of any movement associated with Ram temple. I participated in three ‘kar seva’ campaigns and feel proud and happy that I was there when the (Babri mosque) structure was brought down,” he said.
“Some people were hiding when the kar seva was at its peak. What can I even say about it? I even spent some days in a central jail there,” he said.
Fadnavis said, “There will not be a single temple in the country that will not celebrate this event.” He also emphasized his joy at Prime Minister Narendra Modi being part of the ceremony.
Following the statement, Fadnavis attended the inauguration of Ram Rath, a miniature model of the Ayodhya Ram temple. Bollywood director Rohit Shetty and state Minister for Rural Development Girish Mahajan were also present at the event.
“After 500 years of struggle, the Ram temple is coming up in the country. We are in the process of removing the blot put on us by Babur. We are reinstating the faith of the country. We should forget our differences and chant the name of Ram. It is shallow to politicise the issue,” Fadnavis concluded.
