Outrage Grows Over Controversial Remarks by MPs on Lord Ram and Diwali
The Chamber of Trade and Industry demands apologies from MPs for remarks perceived as offensive to Hindu sentiments.
New Delhi, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the Ramleela Federation have expressed strong opposition to recent comments made by Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad and Congress MP Imran Masood. Azad’s remarks regarding Lord Ram and the Ayodhya Ram Temple, along with Masood’s characterization of Diwali as a “human-made disease,” have sparked significant backlash.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that Azad declared he would never visit the Ram Temple, citing that Lord Ram abandoned Sita even after the Agni Pariksha. Such statements, he argued, have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.
In response, the CTI has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding that Azad retract his statement and apologize. They also seek clarification on the party’s official stance regarding the comments.
Goyal emphasized the importance of respecting all faiths, stating, “While everyone has the right to express their beliefs, insulting another’s faith is unacceptable. Lord Ram symbolizes duty, sacrifice, and honor, and politicizing the figures of Ram and Sita is inappropriate. We seek dialogue, not confrontation.”
The CTI noted that merchants in Ayodhya are also outraged by these remarks, which they believe threaten the local economy. The livelihood of small traders, hotel staff, and local artisans is reliant on the faith of visitors to Ayodhya.
Ayodhya has evolved into a significant spiritual economic hub, attracting millions of pilgrims. Before the grand Ram Temple, annual visitors numbered around 170,000. Projections indicate this could rise to 164 million by 2024 and 200 million by 2025. The local economy has seen a surge in hotel projects and business opportunities, with the number of home stays and restaurants increasing dramatically.
The CTI has outlined three demands: Azad should apologize for his remarks about Lord Ram, Banerjee must clarify whether this reflects the party’s official position, and political leaders should refrain from making statements about deities and festivals in the future.
Arjun Kumar, President of the Ramleela Federation, also expressed his discontent, stating that neither Azad nor Masood would be invited to any Ramleela events in Delhi or elsewhere in the country. He highlighted that such comments affect countless artists and organizers involved in these cultural celebrations.
Additionally, Goyal criticized Masood’s description of Diwali, calling it a “human-made disease,” and urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to take action, recommending Masood’s dismissal or a public apology to the nation.
