Srinagar: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday underlined the importance of unity, harmony, and progress in India while responding to a recent statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Bhagwat on Monday said that the date of consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya (January 22, 2024) should be celebrated as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ as the “true independence of Bharat was established on that day”.
Bhagwat’s remarks have evoked scathing criticism from the Congress with party leader Rahul Gandhi claiming it amounts to treason and an insult to every Indian.
Speaking to reporters at the shrine of Khawaja Moin-ud-Din Chisti (RA) in Ajmer, Dr Farooq Abdullah, as per news agency KINS highlighted India’s rich heritage and the need to maintain brotherhood to preserve the nation’s hard-earned independence.
“India is a great nation, and it belongs to all of us. We gained independence with great effort. We have to create a brotherhood to retain this independence,” he told reporters.
He expressed hope for an inclusive India, saying, “I hope Mohan Bhagwat and everyone creates an India in which we can live with harmony and progress. All of us want that India.”
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also extended his greetings to devotees participating in Maha-Kumbh — centuries-old tradition of taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganga.
“It is a good thing. This tradition has been organized and followed for centuries,” he said, acknowledging the cultural and spiritual significance of the ritual. “My greetings to all those who are there to take a holy dip in the Holy Ganga”.
