In a statement, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar accused the ruling BJP of promoting Nathuram's communal agenda in the name of Ram, emphasising that "vyaktivaad" (individualism) is more perilous than "parivarvaad" (dynastic politics).
During an interaction with PTI editors at the news agency's headquarters, Kumar also highlighted efforts to undermine the contributions of the Gandhi-Nehru family.
Kumar alleged that the BJP is attempting to diminish the significance of the Hindu religion, asserting that Ram's ideology harbours no room for animosity towards anyone.
When questioned about how the Congress and the INDIA bloc would handle the perceived wave surrounding the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, potentially benefiting the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls, he responded, "What is the necessity for the Congress to manage it? It is not problematic if there is a surge of Lord Ram in the country; it would have been concerning if there had been a surge of 'Nathuram' (referring to Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse)."
"I think what the BJP is propagating is that it had no role in it. Ram Ji was in Treta Yug, where the BJP was formed in 1980. The BJP is engaged in how to dupe those people who believe in Ram, so Ram's name (naam) is taken, but actions (kaam) are of Nathuram. This game benefits the BJP," the Congress leader said.
He added, "This goes against the history, culture, and the future of the upcoming generation of the country."
Kumar stated that the concept of Ram is deeply rooted in the country, with people and places named after him.
"You cannot reduce him to a place. In other religions, a particular place is very important, but in the Hindu religion, all places and Gods are important. Ram is as important as Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. So Hindu religion is different from other religions," he said.
What has happened is that those who believe in the Hindu religion are being duped for the sake of political gain, Kumar said, slamming the BJP.
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