JOIN USI was threatened for Ram Mandir fund collection: H D Kumaraswamy
Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday claimed that he was threatened by some people who came to his house seeking a donation for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Continuing his attack on the donation drive, Kumaraswamy questioned the legitimacy of those approaching citizens seeking money for the temple.
Speaking to reporters, the JD(S) legislature party leader said three people turned up at his door a fortnight ago seeking funds. "When I questioned them about it, one woman in the group tried to threaten me by saying the Ram Mandir was the nation’s symbol and that I had to make the donation. If they can say this to me, imagine how they must be intimidating common people," Kumaraswamy said.
Also Read | BJP, VHP hit out at Kumaraswamy for Nazi remark
Training his guns at those involved in the donation drive - he said some of them were “goons” - Kumaraswamy sought to know who had authorized the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to collect funds. “Even registered NGOs working for a social cause need to provide financial accountability to the government. I am neither questioning the fund collection itself nor am I against the construction of Ram Mandir. I am only pointing out the issue of accountability. Earlier, they collected funds during the Rath Yatra for Ram Mandir, too. No accounts were given for it," he said.
He said he would donate funds for the construction of Ram Mandir as long as “authorised people” approached him.
Lashing out at BJP leaders who criticised the JD(S) in the wake of his comments, Kumaraswamy said his party never used religion for politics. "You are the ones misusing the name of Ram. This is religious corruption," he charged.
He said pro-Hindu outfits had admitted to pasting stickers on people's homes claiming that it was meant to " encourage" more people to donate. "Why stick it on individual homes and cause panic among people? Why can't they just advertise it generally by putting up posters?" he said.
The JD(S) leader going after the Sangh is seen as him separating his party’s recent bonhomie with the BJP in the Legislative Council.
Commenting on the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi, Kumaraswamy expressed concerns about the muzzling of voices. “Anyone who opposes the government is branded an anti-national. This is an undeclared emergency,” he said.
The JD(S) leader also lashed out at Congress leader Siddaramaiah. "He is reportedly interested in Ahinda now. He was the CM for five years. Why couldn't he have worked for Ahinda welfare back then,” he said. “One party is using religion to gain power and another is using Ahinda. They are only interested in power.”