Shimla, July 7 (IANS) The Congress in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday staged a symbolic protest over the misappropriation of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, party leaders and workers marched from the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex to the Ram Mandir in Ram Bazaar here, raising slogans in protest. After the protest, the Chief Minister, along with Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, offered prayers at the Ram Mandir and participated in a havan ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the BJP has politicised the Ram Mandir, whereas millions of devotees across the country have contributed generously towards the construction of the temple according to their faith and capacity. The Chief Minister said he himself made a donation towards the temple when volunteers approached him during the fundraising campaign.

CM Sukhu said that when the Ram Mandir was inaugurated in Ayodhya, a half-day holiday was declared across the country. However, the Himachal Pradesh government declared a full-day holiday because Lord Rama is deeply revered by the people of the state. He said Lord Rama’s ideals continue to inspire the government, and every effort has been made to follow those values in public life.

The Chief Minister said true devotees of Lord Rama do not use his name for political gain, as his greatest message is service to humanity. Referring to the irregularities in the management of Ram Mandir donations, he said that after the temple’s inauguration, devotees from across the country donated money and jewellery with deep faith and devotion. He said those involved have not only misused public donations but also betrayed the trust and faith of millions of devotees.

Sukhu said that whenever people’s faith was violated, citizens across the country stand united against such actions. Calling it an emotional issue, the Chief Minister said members of the state Cabinet have offered prayers at the Ram Mandir in Shimla and prayed that those responsible for the misuse of temple donations should be guided towards the right path. He said those who collect donations or practise politics in the name of Lord Rama and religion should act with honesty and integrity.

CM Sukhu said the credit for initiating the process that eventually led to the construction of the Ram Mandir should first go to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, under whose tenure locks of the Ram Janmabhoomi site were opened. He said that while the Congress has deep faith in Lord Ram, it does not believe in exploiting religious sentiments for political purposes.

He said the party believes in the values of Hindu culture, respects all religions and is committed to following the ideals of Lord Rama, whereas the BJP uses His name just for politics. Later, the Chief Minister visited Jakhu Temple, where he offered prayers and recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

–IANS

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