India is not only for Hindus; but Ram Mandir is right of Hindus: Pejawar seer

Udupi, Jul 9: Expressing frustration over the recent demand by a section of ‘progressive thinkers’ to disassociate himself from Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Paryaya Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami said that Ram Mandir is the right of Hindus and it is impossible to give away the land to construct a mosque.

Speaking to media persons here, the seer, however, clarified that he did not envisage the country as purely the land of Hindus. “India belongs to all Indians and not for any particular community or religion,” he said.

The seer said Ram Mandir will be built at Sri Ram Janmabhoomi site as inscriptions prove the existence of temple on the spot. But consensus on the issue cannot be achieved through violence, he said.

Lamenting that progressive thinkers insist on achieving harmony at the cost of right, the seer said, “Is it possible to give away Kashmir to Pakistan for peace and prevent violence? Let the progressive thinkers reconsider their opinion by working out possibilities. Kashmir is India’s right. Similarly, Ram Mandir is the right of Hindus. The privilege of secularism should have limitations.” 

Earlier this week, Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike leader G Rajashekhar had challenged the seer to quit the leadership of the committee that works on Sri Ram Janmabhoomi and also oppose the idea of Hindu nation for India.

Speaking at a protest rally organised by Solidarity Youth Movement on communal terrorism, Rajashekhar said that the seer has done a commendable work by organising Iftar party to Muslims. But the seer should not forget that he is even now seen as the leader of Hindu community and he has to get rid of the image he has already developed being part of fanatical movement conceptualised by the hard core Hindu fundamentalists, he urged.