BENGALURU, 21 JAN

As the nation celebrates the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) slammed the central government. It said the real worship of Ram lies in ensuring the safety and protection of women in the country.

Drawing attention to the upcoming elections, KPCC has called on the Election Commission to monitor and enforce regulations that prevent the exploitation of religious sentiments for political gains. Former Member of Parliament Ugrappa on Sunday said, “If the central government is true worship of Ram then you have to ensure that you maintain a political discourse that aligns with the values Lord Ram stood for, rather than using religious symbols merely as tools for electoral advantage.”

Further, KPCC has raised legal concerns, pointing to Section 123 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 3A which says any candidate attempts to use religious sentiments for electoral benefits by the promotion of feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, by a candidate.

Ugrappa said, “The election commission should closely examine electoral practices, specifically focusing on the potential exploitation of religious sentiments for political gains.”