Twist: Narendra Modi, 22 yrs later, a changed man, says Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi, Oct 4: In a shocking and mocking twist in toilet-temple controversy,

minister

claimed that

PM candidate

is "a changed man". Commenting on Modi's recent remark on temple and toilet, Ramesh criticised him saying, "He's got enlightenment finally, but 22 years too late."

The Union Minister, while continuing his criticism, asserted, "Had he (Modi) had the same realization earlier, India would have been spared the trauma of the Babri Masjid tragedy and subsequent events -- the Bombay blasts, Godhra and its consequences. The communalization that took place on account of this temple movement, which was masterminded by Modi amongst others."

"But I am glad that Modi, 22 years later, is a changed man," added Ramesh while mocking the Gujarat Chief Minister. Modi, while interacting with young students in Delhi on Oct 2, said, "My identity is of a Hindutvawadi, but I say build toilets before you build temples."

Modi's statement invited sharp criticism from many Congress leaders and Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh was one among them.

BJP workers and supporters came and urinated in front my house

Expressing his disgrace against BJP leaders and workers, Ramesh chided, "BJP workers and supporters came and urinated in front my house. Where was Modi then? Where was he when I was being attacked by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Prakash Javdekar and others?"

Controversy over toilet and temple had first surfaced when Ramesh, the then Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, had said, "I think toilets are more important than temples. No matter how many temples we go to, we are not going to get salvation. We need to give priority to toilets and cleanliness."

BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy slammed him saying, "It would be good for Mr Ramesh that out of his exuberance he stops making such comments which will destroy the fine fabric of religion and faith."

OneIndia News