BJP welcomes SC order on Ravidas Temple, lashes out at Cong, AAP for divisive politics

BJP on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court order on Ravidas Temple and flayed the principal opposition party Congress and Aam Aadmi Party for indulging in divisive politics.

Addressing a press conference here National General Secretary Bhupender Yadav and BJP vice president Dushyant Kumar Gautam said the BJP welcomed the Supreme Court verdict to construction of Guru Ravidas temple but the sad part is Congress and the AAP had tried to draw political gains from the issue.

AAP tried to play with the feelings of people, and tried to increase social unrest, Mr Yadav alleged. Delhi is not only capital of the country but a sensitive place symbolising unity in diversity, he stated.

Sant Ravidas Ji worked for social harmony, against casteist discrimination, for an egalitarian society, for the self-welfare of all sections of the society, and to bring changes in the lives of crores of poor and especially the Scheduled Tribe people in the country, Mr Yadav said, adding that the BJP also believes in peaceful co-existence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ravidas Temple in Varanasi and called for propagating the social message of Sant Ravidas.

The government took the initiative and presented a report to the Supreme Court after consulting all sides and the proposal was accepted by the apex court, Mr Yadav said.

A temple will be constructed which will be double the size of the present temple, he said, adding that in memory of Sant Ravidas, preservation of the ‘pokhar’ and that place and the reconstruction of the temple were approved by the court.

The top court’s order should be followed, Mr Yadav said and called the opposition parties not to indulge in divisive politics.

The Supreme Court has on Monday accepted the Centre’s revised offer of 400 sq mt land in Tughlaqabad forest area here for construction of Guru Ravidas temple which was demolished by Delhi Development Authority following the court’s earlier order.

The top court also directed that persons who were arrested during agitations following the demolition of the temple be released on furnishing of personal bond.  (UNI)