India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Bangalore, February 17Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday attacked opposition leaders, especially former CM Siddaramaiah and HD Kumaraswamy, for criticizing fundraising for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Both leaders had alleged that there was a lack of transparency in the fundraising campaign. Kumarswamy had on Monday accused the RSS of marking the homes of those who gave donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and those who did not, and claimed it was similar to what the Nazis did in Germany.
The statement sparked a widespread reaction from various quarters, including Pejawar Math seer Swami Vishwa Prasanna Teertha, who demanded evidence from Kumaraswamy to substantiate his claim. At a public meeting in Shivamogga on Wednesday, the prime minister said that no one is obliged to donate to the Ram temple.
“We are not forcing anyone to donate to the Ram temple. When Hindus, Muslims and Christians help a mother (India), some people make nasty comments, which do not fit their stature,” Yediyurappa said.
HDK demands transparency in fundraising campaign for Ram temple of Sangh Parivar
“With deep anguish I say that at least from now on you should be careful when speaking in public and refrain from making unwanted comments,” Yediyurappa said.
The prime minister’s reaction came hours after Kumaraswamy said Wednesday that he was not opposed to building the shrine, but just wanted more transparency in fundraising.
The government has a responsibility to verify who was collecting funds for the Ram Temple, he said at a press conference here.
“I am not opposed to the Ram Temple or badmouthing any organization or fundraising for the Ram Temple. Even members of my group have given money, but I want to know who has authorized door-to-door fundraisers.” What is your background? Who gave them the licenses, “he said.
He said his objection was only the fundraising for the temple construction without transparency and the “looting and misuse” of funds on behalf of Ram.
The RSS dismissed the former CM’s previous allegations, saying they do not qualify for any response, while Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s state unit, which is among the organizations raising money for the temple, condemned him.
The JDS leader said that donations can be made through online transactions.
“We have opened so many Jan Dhan accounts, so why can’t we collect money online? Why collect on the street and mark houses?” asked the leader of JD (S).
Additionally, he alleged that no one accounted for the money raised in 1990 for the Ram Temple across the country.
Kumaraswamy said that he comes from a family that has faith in God, but never misused God’s name.
“We have a commitment to the 130 million million people, but we do not believe in breaking society,” said the former prime minister.
The organizing secretary of the VHP in Karnataka Basavaraj on Tuesday condemned Kumaraswamy’s earlier statement against the RSS.
“It just so happens that this is a highly irresponsible tweet from former Prime Minister HD Kumaraswamy about Sri Ram Mandir Nidhi Samarpana Abhiyan,” (fundraising), Basavaraj said in a statement. Volunteers from various organizations, including the VHP, were reaching out to all sectors of society.
The latter responded positively and contributed to the construction of the great temple in Ayodhya, he added.
They did not even demand money from the people and the outreach was simply to allow the entire country to participate in the effort as “everyone firmly believes that Lord Ram is the identity of Bharat,” he added.
“VHP takes serious note of the unsubstantiated allegations made by an individual who held the highest office in the state. VHP also condemns Kumaraswamy’s statement for making unwarranted comments about the patriotic RSS organization,” Basavaraj said.
The fundraising campaign for the Ram Temple began on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and will continue until February 27.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.