Seer says, "We will enter Jamia Masjid and unearth Shiv Ling statue" at VHP convention, sparks row

Mahamandaleshwar Maharaj, a seer who was the main speaker at the VHP convention held at Hubbali district in Karnataka on November 25 has sparked a row. The seer addressing the crowd on Ram Mandir, took a jibe at the Chief Justice of India and made a series of controversial statements.

"We've had a strong conviction on the Supreme Court. Every time when Hindus have faced an issue, SC has granted us Justice. CJI has said that this issue does not come under his jurisdiction. We'd like to raise our voice against you. We respect the Supreme Court and the constitution but not the CJI because he's trying to take the issue in the wrong direction. We want to take you to the Court. What's your priority? To ensure that men and women are treated equally? Women are our pride. But you give a ruling saying that a married woman can be in a relationship with another man and it cannot be considered to be a crime. A Christian woman and a Muslim woman attempt to enter Ayyappa temple. It is our temple, our respect is on the line. I laud the devotees for not letting them into the temple. We want to enter Jamia Masjid and unearth the Shiv Ling statue."

The convention by VHP was part of a series of programs that have been organised to gather support to push for an ordinance to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. A similar convention that was scheduled to take place in Bengaluru was postponed following the passing away of former Union minister and actor Ambareesh.

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Many political party's are yet to make their stand clear on Ram Mandir. But the seer's comments have not gone down well with women's rights activists. "It is atrocious for a religious leader to support those who prevent women from entering the temple. How dare he comment on the CJI? It is his job to ensure that's women's rights guaranteed by our constitution is implemented. It is wrong on part of a community leader to make such comments" -Brinda Adige, Activist

As the momentum builds to construct a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It is the responsibility of the respective state administrations to ensure law and order and the situation does not get out of hand. Also, religious leaders must make it a point that the movement by devotees doesn't steer away from it's objective.

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