Udupi: Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said it was “heartening” to see Congress leaders, including KPCC president BK Hariprasad, “overflowing with devotion for Lord Rama”, a sentiment he said was absent during the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.“It is a positive development that the Congress party, which has historically claimed that Rama does not exist, is now singing hymns to him. Similarly, I hope to have all your support in ensuring that other centres of Hindu faith, such as the temples in Gyanvapi and Mathura, are restored to the Hindus,” said Poojary.He said these were the same people who submitted an affidavit in court claiming that Rama was fictional, who boycotted the foundation-laying ceremony of the Shri Ram Mandir, and who wore black armbands in protest.“They are the ones who threatened that there would be a ‘bloodbath’ during the foundation stone ceremony of the Ram Mandir. It feels like a very positive development that those who shot down Ram devotees and allegedly threw them into the river during the demolition of the Babri Masjid are today speaking about Rama with affection,” the MP said.He expressed confidence that in Uttar Pradesh, governed by Yogi Adityanath, “those wicked individuals who have conspired against the Ram Mandir will not go unpunished”.Poojary also said devotees had condemned the misuse of offerings made at the Shri Ram Mandir. He said a special investigation team (SIT) had been formed to probe the alleged misuse, and efforts were under way to recover the money with interest and send those responsible to jail.“All Ram devotees have faith that chief minister Yogi Adityanath will do what is pleasing to Rama,” he said.“I would like to tell the Congress—the fact that you have suddenly developed devotion for Rama and have transformed into devotees is, in a way, a positive development,” he added.
