BJP MP galvanising support against MNS chief’s Ayodhya visit
LUCKNOW: The proposed visit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to Ayodhya on June 5 has started generating political heat in Uttar Pradesh.
While BJP MP from Kaiserganj Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh is galvanising the support of the saints’ community against the visit, the party’s Ayodhya MP Lallu Singh is ready to welcome the politician from Maharashtra.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has warned that Raj Thackeray will not be allowed to enter Ayodhya till he tenders a public apology for humiliating north Indians “Will not allow Raj Thackeray, who humiliates north Indians, to enter the Ayodhya border,” the Kaiserganj MP had tweeted earlier this month.
“The BJP leader is right. We have nothing against Raj Thackeray, but then he must first apologise for his tirade against north Indians in the past. Ayodhya is for all but how can someone who has been berating the people of the region be welcome until he apologises,” said Ram Dineshacharya and Hansdevacharya, both saints who have backed Brij Bhushan.
The Kaiserganj MP’s stance has come as a surprise to many in the party as Raj Thackeray is now perceived to be closer to the BJP leadership.
At a meeting in Kaiserganj that borders Ayodhya, a pledge was taken on Tuesday to galvanise about five lakh people in the temple town to stop the MNS chief.
“He is a six-time Lok Sabha MP. His son Prateek Bhushan is a second-term lawmaker in UP. All these hoardings and posters put up to oppose Raj’s visit, feature his other son Karan Bhushan,” a BJP leader said.
On the other hand, the party’s Ayodhya MP Lallu Singh distanced himself from Brij Bhushan’s move.
“All are welcome in Ayodhya. Who are we to stop anyone who wants to come here to seek the blessings of Shri Ram? We hope that good sense prevails and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, Raj Thackeray is able to work for the betterment of Maharashtra,” Lallu Singh said.