Kerala CM mocks Congress' commitment to secularism on party's support for Ram Mandir

On Wednesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned Congress' stand on secularism amid its support for construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. He maintained that re was thing new in ex-Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's position on Ram Mandir. reafter, Vijayan contended that y were following in footsteps of former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Rajiv Gandhi.

According to Kerala CM, latter allegedly espoused "soft Hindutva nda". While Rajiv Gandhi reportedly played a crucial role in opening of locks of disputed site in 1986, Rao was blamed for his inability to prevent demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. Vijayan accused Congress party of t having a firm stance on secularism. 

Read: Congress Says 'Ram Above Politics', Reaffirms 'centuries-old' Ram Mandir Demand

Gandhi family reacts on Ram Mandir 

On Tuesday, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra issued a statement, throwing her weight behind Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir. She mentioned that Ramayana had a deep imprint on Indian culture. Detailing inclusive nature of Lord Ram, she expressed hope that Bhumi Pujan ceremony would showcase national unity and fraternity.

Earlier in day, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also weighed in on significance of Lord Ram. Writing on Twitter, Gandhi ted that Lord Ram is manifestation of best human qualities. He also stressed that Lord Ram symbolized love, mercy, and justice. However, Wayanad Lok Sabha MP did t explicitly extend his support for Bhumi Pujan or construction of Ram Mandir. 

Read: Ravi Shankar Prasad Shares Sketch Of Lord Ram, Mata Sita, Laxman On Indian Constitution

Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan

Out of 175 eminent guests invited for Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir, 135 saints belonging to 135 spiritual traditions were present. Some eminent citizens of Ayodhya were also invited to ceremony. sacred soil from over 2000 holy places and water from more than 100 rivers was brought for Bhumi Pujan. PM Modi performed  Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir. Apart from him, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Ram Mandir trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and UP Goverr Anandiben Patel were present on st. 

Read: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan: Sehwag, Saina Nehwal, Or Sports Stars Extend Wishes