New Delhi: A purported video of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s ‘naach gaana’ remark regarding the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha event has angered the ruling BJP, which has accused the senior Congress leader of “repeatedly insulting Hindus.
In the video, Gandhi expressed his concerns about the consecration ceremony at Ram temple and said the organisers prioritised celebrity invitations over representatives from marginalised communities. "Many celebrities were invited… they called Amitabh Bachchan, Adani, Ambani, but they didn't invite a single labourer. Did anyone see a farmer, a labourer? Naach-gaana chal raha tha (Dance was going on)."
The remark was sharply criticised by the BJP.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of insulting Hindus and questioned whether he would dare to make similar remarks about other religions.
"From Sanatan Samapt to Sanatan Beemari hai to Hindu dharm dhokha to abusing Ram Charitmanas – INDI alliance believes in Hindu Astha par karo chot Lena hai vote bank ka vote," he said.
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The Congress backed Gandhi over his statement with party MP Manickam Tagore saying that special consideration was given to Bollywood stars and the super-rich people at the main venue.
"We all know that the people of Ayodhya had to wait outside while the Bollywood stars and the super-rich people of India were present at the main venue. Rahul Gandhi is also advocating the same thing that the way the pooja was closed for an aam aadmi but the super rich were given access to the event,” he said.
The Pran Pratishtha of the 51-inch tall idol of Lord Ram Lalla which was crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj, in the newly built Ram Janmabhoomi Temple took place on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over the rituals of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.