How many times will you use Lord Ram for political gain: Kapil Sibal to BJP

Kapil Sibal's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday accused the BJP of using Lord Ram for political gain, and said the ruling party's governance does not display any of his virtues, reported news agency PTI.

Kapil Sibal's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya, reported PTI.

"Bhagawan Shri Ram bas aane hi wale hain (Lord Ram's arrival is imminent)," PM Modi said, asserting that prayers at the temple during the next Ramnavmi will spread happiness in the entire world, reported PTI.

In a post on X, Kapil Sibal said, "To the BJP, How many times will you use Lord Ram for political gain? Why don't you embrace the virtues of Lord Ram: His: valor, chivalry, loyalty, compassion, love, obedience, courage, and equipoise".

"Your governance does not display any of these virtues!" Sibal said.

Kapil Sibal, who was a Union minister during UPA I and II, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support

He has floated a non-electoral platform 'Insaaf' aimed at fighting injustice.

Earlier this month, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks that the Congress is worried about vote bank not law and order in Rajasthan, asking whether the BJP pitching Modi as the first OBC PM not vote bank politics.

Kapil Sibal's jibe came a day after PM Modi, while addressing a rally in Jodhpur, said when law and order is in such a state, there is no investment and trade suffers.

But the Congress cares more about its vote bank than Rajasthan's well-being, PM Modi had said.

In a post in X, Kapil Sibal said, "Modiji: Congress worried about vote bank, not law and order situation. Modiji: Where is the law? Where is the order? ED & CBI is the law? Manipur is the order?"

"BJP: Modi is the first OBC prime minister, not vote bank politics?" the former Union minister said.

Former Union law minister Kapil Sibal criticized the Modi government, alleging that the recently passed Women's Reservation Bill is an electoral ploy with an eye on the upcoming state and Lok Sabha elections. In a conversation as part of his 'Dil Se' initiative, Sibal stated that the earliest the bill can come into effect is during the 2034 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the complex process involved in its implementation, reported PTI.

Sibal also addressed the recent controversy surrounding BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri's derogatory remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali, calling for Bidhuri's expulsion from Parliament. He expressed his shock at the incident and criticized the presiding officer's response to the use of foul language in the Lok Sabha.

Regarding the Women's Reservation Bill, Sibal questioned the government's sincerity in passing the bill immediately, stating that if they were genuinely committed to it, they could have done it in 2014. He explained that the process of delimitation, which is essential for the bill's implementation, is a time-consuming and complex exercise. Considering the need to update census data and the potential inclusion of caste data, Sibal predicted that the earliest possible implementation of the bill would be in 2034, the report further stated. 

Sibal also raised questions about the government's timing in bringing the bill, suggesting that it might be an attempt to capture a crucial issue ahead of the 2024 elections. He emphasized that the opposition should focus on questioning the Centre about its failure to bring the bill earlier, rather than speculating on its electoral impact.

Regarding the new Parliament building, Sibal expressed his preference for a more comfortable and intimate space, describing it as a "seven-star structure." He highlighted the importance of feeling close to colleagues in the parliamentary setting.

(With inputs from PTI)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!