Congress Accuses BJP of Exploiting Ram Temple Issue on Social Media to Attract Voters

The Indian National Congress party has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Ram Temple issue on social media to attract voters, urging the Election Commission of India to take note and stop such appeals. The Congress claims that the BJP's tactics are a violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct, and Supreme Court judgments.

The controversy arose after the BJP's Bihar unit posted on social media asking voters to remember who built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Congress has portrayed this as an attempt by the BJP to depict the opposition party as 'anti-Hindu' and exploit the sensitive issue for political gain.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera stated, "The BJP is brazenly and blatantly violating the Model Code of Conduct by using the Ram Temple issue on social media to attract voters. We urge the Election Commission to take immediate action and put a stop to such divisive appeals that undermine the integrity of the electoral process."

Why this matters: The accusations highlight the contentious role of religion in Indian politics and the potential misuse of social media platforms to influence voters. The outcome of this dispute could have implications for the fairness and transparency of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, the BJP is planning a mega conclave of saints and seers at the IGI stadium in Delhi to mark the Hindu new year and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The party expects over 31,000 devout Hindus, including 5,000 saints and seers, to attend the event, with several Union ministers expected to be present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the alliance between Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling it a 'film starring two princes' that has been rejected by the people of Uttar Pradesh. Modi accused the opposition of attacking 'our faith' and carrying the basket of 'nepotism, corruption and appeasement'.

The Congress party has emphasized the need to uphold democratic values and prevent the misuse of social media platforms for political purposes during the ongoing elections. The party has not yet officially lodged a complaint with the Election Commission but has called on the electoral body to intervene and ensure that the BJP does not use the Ram Temple issue to gain an unfair advantage in the polls.

Key Takeaways

• Congress accuses BJP of using Ram Temple issue on social media to attract voters.
• Congress urges Election Commission to stop BJP's "divisive appeals" violating Model Code.
• BJP planning a mega conclave of saints and seers to mark Ram Temple construction.
• PM Modi criticizes Congress-SP alliance, accuses them of attacking Hindu faith.
• Congress emphasizes need to prevent social media misuse, may file complaint with EC.