Lucknow: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Uttar Pradesh's Deoband has asked the Hindu community to "buy swords made of iron instead of utensils on Dhanteras".
Dhanteras is celebrated annually before the festival of Diwali. As per tradition, people buy utensils or other items made of metal. This year, Dhanteras will be observed on October 25 (Friday).
"The Supreme Court verdict on the the Ayodhya issue is expected soon and we are confident that it will be in favour of the Ram temple. However, this could vitiate the atmosphere, so it is advisable to stock iron swords instead of gold jewellery and silver vessels. These swords will be useful for our own protection when such a time comes," Gajraj Rana, the BJP's city president for Deoband, told the media on Saturday night.
Rana however, clarified that he did not "utter a word" against any community or religion.
"Even in our rituals, we worship weapons and our Gods and Goddesses have used weapons depending on circumstances. My statement was in reference to the current changing environment and a suggestion to the members of my community. Nothing more should be read into it," he added.
Rana is known for making controversial statements. On the eve of the Lok Sabha election campaign, he had stated that "Darul Uloom (in Deoband) is synonymous with terrorism".
In another controversial statement, Rana had said: "There is a 'Shiv Ling' inside the Makkah and Hindus used to live there once."
The Supreme Court of India wrapped the hearing in Babri Masjid title suit last week. A verdict in the case is expected mid-November. Like Hindus, Muslims too are hopeful that the SC verdict will be in their favour.
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