BJP's Gajraj Rana urges people to buy swords instead of gold on Dhanteras ahead of Ayodhya verdict

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Uttar Pradesh has urged people to buy swords on Dhanteras rather than buying gold and silver.

The BJP’s city president for Deoband, Gajraj Rana, issued the statement in light of the forthcoming ruling on the Ayodhya land dispute issue and urged the Hindu community to buy swords as it will be useful in the near future.

The BJP leaders comment came after the Supreme Court concluded hearing in the Ayodhya land dispute case and reserved its verdict.

Speaking to the press, Rana stated, "Countrymen want a grand temple of Lord Ram to be built in Ayodhya so that everyone can have a grand darshan of Lord Ram."

Gajraj Rana stated, "The Supreme Court verdict on 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."

When he was questioned on his advice to buy swords, he stated, "The scenario of the country will deteriorate and in such circumstances, we want to protect ourselves."

Gajraj Rana however, elucidated that he did not say 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.

However, the BJP has distanced itself from Gajraj’s comment.

State BJP spokesperson, Chandramohan stated: "The BJP does not endorse this kind of language if it has been used by him. Whatever he has said is in his personal capacity. There is a very clear guideline for the party leaders. Any action or statement must be done or said within the ambit of law and no one is above the law."

This is not the first time that the BJP leader has issued a controversial statement. He had previously compared Islamic semenary with terrorism while campaigning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In another contentious comment, Gajraj Rana had stated,"There is a 'Shiv Ling' inside the Mecca and Hindus used to live there once."

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