Temple belongs to Ramanand sect, not Sanyasis, Shaiva or Shakta: Champat Rai triggers row
New Delhi: Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has stated in an interview with Amar Ujala that there is no rush to complete the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
He explained that the initial plan estimated completion within three years, with the foundation alone taking 18 months. Rai emphasized that the temple follows the Ramanand tradition and is not associated with Sanyasis, Shaiva, or Shakta.
When asked about the method of worship in the new temple, Rai said that since it’s a Ram mandir, Ramanand tradition will be followed.
“The temple belongs to the Ramanand sect, and not to the Sanyasis, not to Shaiva or Shakta,” he added.
Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati, who had confirmed that he would not be going to Ayodhya for the January 22 event, criticised Rai’s remarks, advising him not to diminish his stature while holding a position of power.
Criticism has arisen regarding the extravagant event planned for the consecration of the Ram Mandir on January 22. Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati, suggested that it is being turned into a political spectacle.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the grandeur of the event, attributing it to the upcoming general elections and cautioning against turning pilgrimage sites into tourist attractions.
Four Shankaracharyas have reportedly refused to participate in the organization of the Ram temple, highlighting concerns about the event's political undertones. While praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to Hindutva, Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati raised concerns about pilgrimage sites becoming commercialized in the name of development.
Despite the Trust's assurance of a meticulous construction process, critics worry about the potential politicization of the Ram Temple event, emphasizing the need for a balanced and non-partisan approach.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
