The Hindu : Naidu should support Ram temple cause: Singhal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 26, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Naidu should support Ram temple cause: Singhal

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, FEB. 25. The international president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Ashok Singhal, said that the forces, which are seeking votes on the basis of religion in the country, were doing so to divide the country once again. At a press conference here today, he made the observation after stating that India had several religions for centuries but had only one culture.

He mentioned that Ram was worshipped and respected by all. But, now some forces were creating differences among the people. Mr. Singhal was here on a private visit to attend the marriage of an RSS functionary. Those who were seeking votes on communal lines were engineering yet another partition of the country, he alleged.

Hailing the administration of N. Chandrababu Naidu, he said that Mr Naidu should become the Chief Minister once again but should change his stand on the issue of temples. Being a Hindu Mr. Naidu should support the cause of the Ram temple, Mr. Singhal said.

He suggested the NDA Government to use the expression "Jai Shree Ram'' instead of the `feel good factor' as the latter was an English expression and was not understood by people in the rural areas. The Indian expression also meant that everything was good (good administration). The VHP leader urged the State Government to stop the disposal of temple lands. He alleged that Sonia Gandhi was supporting conversions in tribal areas.

Attributing religious hatred to lack of spiritual education, he suggested that this could be prevented if the people were educated in spiritualism. A human being could become a good citizen if he/she would recognise religion, he said, adding that the VHP would take up a movement to promote religion.

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