Ayodhya Ram Temple Inauguration: Sam Pitroda Says BJP Misguided Country In The Name Of Religion

Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, has voiced his concerns, suggesting that the country seems to be misguided by emphasizing the discussions surrounding the Ram Mandir and the symbolic gesture of lighting Diyas as significant national issues. This trend troubles him, and he also posed questions regarding Prime Minister Modi's temple visits.

"The election of 2024 is going to decide the destiny of the country. It is going to decide the path that India takes in the future. And I am worried about it," Sam Pitroda told ANI.

"I'm worried about it because too much importance is given to religion. I see that democracy is being undermined. When the Prime Minister of a country for 10 years does not give a press conference. That bothers me. When the Prime Minister has no problem, giving name to a national stadium in his own name. While he's alive, that bothers me. So there are signals I'm getting. Which says we are in the wrong direction. When a nation is involved in Ram Temple. That bothers me. To me, religion is a personal thing. Don't confuse it with the national agenda," Congress Chairman of the Indian Overseas said.

"The national agenda should focus on education, employment, growth, economy, inflation, health, environment, and pollution. This is not how you build a modern nation... I don't care what religion you practice. I have to respect you for who you are. And not what religion you follow. I'm not gonna dictate what you eat, or what you pray for, That's your personal freedom. And when the entire nation is hung up on Ram Temple and Ram Janmabhoomi. It really upsets me and bothers me... Religion is something very personal. Don't nationalize it. Don't use it for political gains. A Prime Minister is spending time in temples all the time. It bothers me. I would rather have him go to schools, libraries, and scientific institutions and not visit lots of temples...," Pitroda added.

Pitroda also put a question mark on the credibility of the EVMs, he said, "The answer is yes, mainly because of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) is introduced, attached, working and it makes the electronic machine not a standalone machine. There is a report of the Citizen's Commission on election. If you read the report you will know how serious this issue is. This report has been signed by 6,500 citizens... There is a mistrust because of this VVPAT..."