Ram temple row not only theft of money but also theft of faith: Himachal CM

Shimla, Jul 7 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated on Tuesday that the controversy surrounding donations for the Ram temple involved not only the theft of funds but also the theft of the faith held by millions of devotees across the country. During his visit to a Ram temple in Shimla, where he offered prayers and participated in 'kirtan', the chief minister emphasised that "Hindu culture teaches respect for all religions, and true followers of Lord Ram do not engage in politics in his name." Sukhu mentioned that state cabinet members had also prayed at the Ram Mandir, hoping that those responsible for misusing temple donations would find their way to righteousness. He noted that individuals collecting donations or engaging in politics in the name of Lord Ram and religion should do so with honesty and integrity. He said that while the Central Government had announced a half-day holiday for the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla, the Himachal Pradesh government had declared a full-day public holiday. Sukhu stated that the credit for initiating the process for the construction of the Ram Mandir primarily belongs to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, under whose leadership the locks of the Ram Janmabhoomi site were opened. He asserted that while the Congress party has a deep faith in Lord Ram, it does not believe in exploiting religious sentiments for political gain. He added that the party respects all religions, follows the ideals of Lord Ram, and contrasts this with the BJP's use of his name solely for political purposes. Earlier in the day, the chief minister, accompanied by several cabinet ministers and the state Congress chief, led a protest march from the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex to the Ram Mandir located in Ram Bazaar, Shimla. PTI BPL MPL MPL