Ram Temple land purchase scam an insult to nation: KPCC chief

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, DK Shivakumar said Ram temple land purchase scandal is an insult to the sentiment of the whole country and people. He said the Central and State governments are pickpocketing by increasing fuel price.

Bengaluru: Taking a jibe at the alleged irregularities in the land purchase for Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar said the "scandal" is an insult to the sentiments of the entire country and its people. Shivakumar made the statement during a protest march on the final day of "100 Not Out" campaign in Mandya on Tuesday.

Shivakumar said the people donated their savings for the construction of Ram Temple. "However, the authorities concerned swindled the money. This should be condemned by the entire country. We urge the Central and the Uttar Pradesh governments to arrest and prosecute those involved in this scam," he said.

Speaking about the "100 Not Out" protest, Shivakumar said the government is imposing a tax to the tune of Rs 65 per litre on petrol while the fuel actually costs only Rs 35. Slamming Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa, he said there were photos of him and Eshwarappa cycling in protest when petrol price increased to Rs 52 a few years ago. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje had also protested by carrying a gas cylinder on her head, he said.

Further, Shivakumar alleged the Central and state governments were pickpocketing. The prices of iron, cement and fertilizers among others had increased.