Centre's affidavit a historic blunder: Jaya

Chennai, Sep 14 (UNI) Terming as a ''historic blunder'' the affidavit filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court stating that there was no proof for the existence of Lord Ram, AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa today sought immediate withdrawal of the affidavit which hurt the sentiments of the Hindus.

Condemning the Centre's move, she said in a statement here that the UPA Government at the Centre had lost its moral right to call itself a secular Government. ''Insulting or degrading a particular religion cannot be termed as secularism.'' Hurting the sentiments of a particular religion in a country where people from various religions co-existed was shocking and saddening, the AIADMK leader said, pointing out that religion was built on the foundation of faith and belief.

Epic Ramayana had it that the bridge was built by Lord Ram's army to cross over to Lanka. An affidavit filed by the Archaeological Survey of India in the apex court in connection with the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) had questioned Lord Ram's existence, sparking a furore.

Ms Jayalalithaa reiterated her demand that the Centre opt for an alternate proposal for SSCP, without damaging Ramsethu (Adam's bridge).

Notably she had moved the Supreme Court yesterday against the demolition of Ramsethu and prayed to declare it as a ''protected ancient monument''.

UNI