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BJP using the Ram temple public donation drive as part of 2024 election campaign, alleges Shiv Sena
The Shiv Sena has already donated Rs1 crore for the construction of the temple
The Shiv Sena has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to use the public donation drive for the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya to fund its campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In an editorial in Saamna, the mouthpiece of the Sena, it alleged that the decision of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to depute 400,000 volunteers to meet 1,200,000 families across the country for collecting donations had political overtones. “This is just a campaign in the name of Ram temple. It is time for political parties to stop using the Ram temple issue and focus on developmental issues,” said the editorial. It called such a political campaign disrespectful to those who laid their lives for the creation of Ram temple. “Who are these volunteers who will collect money? Who has appointed them?” questioned the editorial.
Also Read: Ram temple fund drive to start with contributions from prominent personalities: Trust official
The editorial questioned the very concept of public donation for the construction of the temple. “Lord Ram was the king of Ayodhya and we have all fought a war for the construction of his temple. This involves the pride of India. People have sacrificed their lives for this campaign. Hindus across the world have donated generously for this construction. Then what is the purpose of this donation drive?” questioned the editorial.
The Shiv Sena has already donated Rs1 crore for the construction of the temple.
This announcement comes on the heels of the decision of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to not use government money and construct the temple using donations from the followers of Lord Ram. This campaign will take place from January 15 till February 27.
The BJP, however, has derided the Sena for its opposition to public donation. “Those who believe in extorting will never be able to understand the concept of public donation. This money is for Ram Mandir which is a national monument and not for someone’s private property. Hence it will be constructed by public money and not by extortion,” said a BJP press release.
It said that Sena’s assertion that it was time to delink Ram temple from the political agenda was understandable as it had turned secular for power.
It also taunted the Shiv Sena saying that it was ironic that the party which was creating obstacles in development was talking of developmental politics.
