New Delhi: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) came down heavily on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over his suggestion of 'e-Bhoomi pujan' for the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
VHP working president Alok Kumar said that Thackeray's remarks not only refect the fall of a once-Hindutva party but also show his 'blind opposition'.
"The statement of Uddhav Thackeray only shows his blind opposition and we do mourn such a fall of what once was a Hindutva party led by the legendary Shri Bala Sahab Thackeray," Kumar said in an official statement.
Stating that the Bhoomi pujan is an auspicious ritual which cannot be done through video-conferencing, he said, "Before starting any construction work we worship the Mother Earth, seek her permission to dig and construct structures and obtain her blessings for the mission."
'200 people will attend Bhoomi Pujan'
All the major activities have now started in the country, the VHP leader said, adding that we will ensure that the gathering is restricted to 200 people.
"The Country is going through its normal activities with all precautions relating to Covid-19. The Supreme Court permitted the symbolic taking out of Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra. The rituals of Shri Amarnath Yatra have all been performed though the yatra is not permitted this year," he said.
"The VHP has always made it clear that the Bhumi Pujan will be done by restricting participation to 200 persons and complying with all health and security advisories. In this situation, the concern about public health expressed by Shri Thackeray are only false pretensions," he added.
PM Modi will attend the ceremony
Almost nine months after the historic verdict of Supreme Court on the Babri Masjid vs Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on August 5 for the ceremony to begin the construction of a grand Ram Temple.
Meanwhile, hectic preparations have begun for the ceremony that will be performed by laying a 40 kg silver brick at the sanctum Santorum.
Three-day-long Vedic rituals, beginning August 3, will precede the main ceremony, according to the members of the Trust. The entire temple town is being given a makeover with walls being painted in vibrant colours.
The 'Bhoomi poojan' ceremony in Ayodhya at the site for the proposed Ram temple on August 5 will be telecast live by public broadcaster Doordarshan.
Also read: Ram temple 'bhoomi pujan' can be done via video link: Uddhav
