BS Yediyurappa, Cheif Minister of Karnataka
Bengaluru: BJP leader in Karnataka and a former chief minister of the state, BS Yediyurappa, said that it is regrettable and unfortunate that Congress chose not to attend the Ram Temple consecration ceremony, The Indian Express reported.
He alleged that the party's decision to stay away from the ceremony was forced by leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah.
Stating that he condemned the Congress party's stand, he claimed that the creation of Ramarajya and the realization of Rama's dreams is everyone's hope. He claimed that Congress's decision has hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus and is an "unforgivable offence". He added that Congress must specify the reason why they chose not to attend.
He claimed that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah joined together and attempted to throw "disrespect for the good event". He warned that the trio would regret their decision, and "I hope Rama gives them some good sense", TIE quoted him.
Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddarmaiah welcomed the Congress party's decision. He said that the party's decision is their decision as well. Though they are not opposed to Lord Ram, and they respect and worship him and also built Ram temples, they oppose the politicization of the diety.
Siddaramaiah said that the BJP has made Lord Ram a political issue and made the lord a political property.
By converting a religious programme into a political programme of a party, PM Narendra Modi and Sangh Parivar were disrespectful to Sri Rama and 140 crore people of India, he said.
He said that they respect the Hindu religion, followed by Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Kanakadasa, Narayana Guru, Kuvempu and many great people of the country.