The Pioneer
The New Indian Express
Deccan Chronicle
The Hindu
- Malnutrition stalks Gutti Koyas
- Misapplying R2P in Sri Lanka
- Declaring victory, Maoists begin retreat
- NSA to NSA: India is more than AfPak
Only during election time, BJP leaders remember Ram, Ram Mandir and Hindutva related issues and pump up people and after elections they naturally set aside these matters, commented Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi. The Sankaracharya of Kanchi remarked that BJP would have won the confidence of the people on the issues of Ram, Ram Mandir and Hindutva if it had acted on the advise of RSS and VHP. While speaking with Andhra Prabha at Kanchikamakoti Math in Tirupati, he made sensational comments on the working style of leaders of Congress as well as BJP. While replying to a question he said that we had seen in the past how BJP leaders during elections inspired and became closer to the people by talking of Ram Mandir, Hindutva and after winning the elections and coming to power set aside those issues, enjoyed power by jettisoning the promises made. Even in the elections conducted after that, BJP leaders again placed the issues of Ram Mandir and Hindutva agenda before the people. But people did not believe their words and brought UPA to power. In the recently concluded elections also people did not trust BJP. The Swamiji remarked that there is so much need for genuine self-introspection by BJP leaders. While answering question on Ram Mandir construction, he said that since the issue was in front of the court jurisdiction, it would not be fair on his part to air his views comprehensively and said that even now it would be better for BJP to work together with RSS and VHP in that issue. While answering another question, he complained that, UPA government at the Center and Congress at the State are boasting about keeping secularism on high pedestal but are indirectly encouraging religious conversions.
The Swamiji remarked that the situation is so pathetic that for one chief of Congress ruled State to win an election the blessings of Lord Venkateswara are needed and he goes to the hill; visits the Lord; prays to get him elected; after winning the election goes on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and comments that all good has happened due to this tour; and one has to search for finding the meaning of sayings of political leaders. The Swamiji spoke thus indirectly directing the above comments on the Chief Minister Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy. The Swamiji demanded the State Governments to ban religious conversions and for that to bring legislation in the right manner and implement strictly.
-Translated version of news report appearing in Andhra Prabha a Telugu daily dt.18-06-09.