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NFIW, other women’s organizations oppose PM Narendra Modi’s participation in BHUMI Pujan for Ram Temple

AHEAD of the foundation laying for the long-awaited Ram Temple at Ayodhya on August 05, left-leaning  National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), like-minded other organizations and personalities have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stay away from the much-hyped event for upholding the nation’s secular credential. The matter of faith and freedom of religion is a personal choice and fundamental freedom of every citizen. This principle enshrined in the fundamental rights of the Constitution applies to  Narendra Modi as well, NFIW said in a statement. The Constitution of India makes it clear that the government and Prime Minister should remain neutral to, and above all religions, thus upholding the values of secular India.  The Prime Minister going to Ayodhya to lay the foundation of the temple undermines our secular framework, and clearly endorses the majoritarian Hindutva agenda, despite his claims of building an inclusive India. It implies the negation of Constitutional values. Modi is not just an individual citizen. As the Prime Minister and head of the government, he should take special care to make sure that he is not seen as partisan towards one faith or religion. This is especially as, notwithstanding the court verdict, Ayodhya continues to be a disputed issue. The official Unlock 3.0 guidelines state that “Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations will not be permitted. “The Prime Minister’s participation in a ceremony of this kind is bound to send a message of double standards practiced by the highest public functionaries of India. The priorities of the government today should be to confront the economic and health crisis. Aruna Roy, President, NFIW), Annie Raja, General Secretary, NFIW said in the statement.   

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