Humbled that I played a pivotal role: Advani
NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch Lal Krishna Advani on Tuesday said he feels humbled that during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, destiny made him perform a pivotal duty in the form of the Ram Rath yatra which was taken out from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in 1990.
“Sometimes significant dreams in one’s life take a long time to fruition. But when they are finally realised, the wait becomes very worthwhile. One such dream, close to my heart is now getting fulfilled,” he said.
Referring to the temple’s construction he said, “On this auspicious occasion, I want to express my gratitude to the scores of saints, leaders and people from India and the world over who made valuable contributions and sacrifices in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. And I am also very happy that due to the decisive verdict of the Supreme Court in November 2019, the construction of Shri Ram Mandir is getting started in an environment of tranquility. This will go a long way in strengthening the bond between Indians.” The day he said is historical and emotional not only for him but all Indians.
Advani who was the face of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, along with senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi is also an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. Last month Advani sat through the final deposition in the case through a video conferencing facility; the verdict by a CBI special court is expected to come by August 30.
A controversy was also stoked about the invitation to attend the ceremony not being sent to Advani, Joshi and former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh. A functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, however, said the invitations were sent out but the leaders were requested to join the ceremony through video conferencing “since there is a pandemic and all three of them are elderly”.
Advani’s statement made no reference to the invitation, he instead said, “It is my belief that the Shri Ram Mandir will represent India as a strong, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious nation with justice for all and exclusion of none to truly usher in Ram Rajya, the epitome of good governance.”