Bengaluru: Karnataka minister and Congress leader KN Rajanna ignited controversy during an event in Bengaluru when he referred to the existing idol of Lord Ram in the makeshift Ayodhya temple as a ‘doll in a tent.’ Accusing the BJP of building temples for elections, he claimed that two ‘dolls’ were placed in a tent after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, and called it Ram.
The remarks drew criticism from various quarters, with former Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister TS Singh Deo stating that such statements were unnecessary. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in the new Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is ongoing.
#WATCH | Former Chhattisgarh Dy CM and Congress leader TS Singh Deo says, “…Lord Ram has been in the hearts of people for centuries…I feel that there is no need for such statements…” (16.01) https://t.co/R3KComUxhG pic.twitter.com/eoLMWzdbQ2
— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2024
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar criticized the minister, attributing such remarks to the “frustration” and “disappointment” of Congress leaders who decided to skip the consecration ceremony. The week-long Pran Pratishtha ceremony includes various rituals, with the idol of Lord Ram Lalla scheduled to tour the temple premises on Wednesday, January 17. The temple trust shared details of the upcoming ceremonies, emphasizing the significance of the consecration events.