New Delhi, Bihar Education Minister, Chandra Shekhar, has ignited a controversy with his recent comments on the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Addressing the media, Shekhar defended a controversial poster displayed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh.
In the interaction, Shekhar underscored the significance of education over a temple, seemingly downplaying the Ram Temple as a symbol of “pseudo-Hinduvaad” and “pseudo-nationalism.” He emphasized that Lord Ram is omnipresent, and there is no necessity to seek him in a physical temple.
“If you get injured, where will you go? Temple or hospital? If you want education and aspire to become an officer, MLA, or MP, will you go to a temple or school?” questioned the Education Minister, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Shekhar supported RJD MLA Singh’s statement, comparing it to the views of Savitribai Phule. He urged caution against “pseudo-Hinduvaad” and “pseudo-nationalism,” asserting that Lord Ram resides within everyone and everywhere. He criticized the allocation of temple sites, suggesting exploitation for personal gains.
The controversy originated from a poster displayed by RJD MLA Singh, stating, “The meaning of the temple is the path to mental slavery, while the meaning of school is the path towards light.” The poster sparked condemnation from the BJP, accusing it of aiming to hurt Hindu sentiments with provocative remarks.
