'Like Osama preaching peace...': BJP slams Pakistan's Ram temple remarks
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed Pakistan for its comments on the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The criticism came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a saffron flag atop the temple, marking its completion. Pakistan had called the event an attempt to erase "Muslim culture and heritage" and accused India of "discrimination against minorities."
BJP response
BJP spokesperson compares Pakistan's criticism to 'Osama preaching peace'
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla likened Pakistan's comments on minority rights to "Osama bin Laden preaching about world peace." He said, "Pakistan should be the last entity that should lecture anybody on rights of minorities and human rights." Poonawalla also reminded Pakistan of its own track record of persecuting various communities within its borders, including Hindus, Sikhs, Agha Khanis, Shias, Balochis and Ahmadiyyas.
MEA response
MEA spokesperson rejects Pakistan's remarks with 'contempt'
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had also rejected Pakistan's remarks on Wednesday. He said, "Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others," adding that it should focus on its own human rights records instead of delivering "hypocritical homilies." "We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others."
Ceremony details
PM Modi's emotional experience at Ram Mandir ceremony
The Dhwajarohan Utsav on November 25 saw PM Modi hoist a saffron flag on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple's shikhar. The event marked the temple's completion and was attended by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. During the ceremony, PM Modi described his participation as an "extremely moving experience." "This Dharm Dhwaj is not just a flag. It is the flag of the rejuvenation of Indian civilization," he said.