Congress downplays divergent views of UPA partners on Lord Ram

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) The Congress Party today said its views on the existence of Lord Ram remained unchanged, though there were divergent opinions expressed on the issue by its constituents in the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

"There is no change in the stand of the Congress Party. We have already articulated it before you," AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons, while pointing out that "it is for others to decide if they share our view that it is an issue of personal belief." Dr Singhvi's reiteration of the Congress stand on the Ram Setu issue came in response to a question on CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat backing the stand of DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief M Karunanidhi that there was no scientific evidence to prove the existence of Lord Ram and that the Ram Setu was a man made structure.

He said a mistake had crept into the affidavit filed before the Supreme Court by the government on Ram Setu. But it was corrected immediately.

Asked if divergent views expressed by UPA constituents on the existence of Lord Ram would adversely affect the government at the centre, Dr Singhvi said "each person is entitled to his views." Asked if the Congress Party is in favour of the Rs 2400-crore Sedusamudram Canal Project in Rameshwaram, he said "as far as the project is concerned, the matter is sub-judice." "It is between two of them. Why should you want me there?" Dr Singhvi asked when a reporter wanted to know if he would join the debate that Mr Karunanidhi offered to have with BJP leader L K Advani on Lord Ram.

UNI