RAM SETHU III (Govt. withrawal of Affidavit)

• The BJP leader also wanted the government to fix ministerial responsibility, and give an undertaking that the Ram Sethu, which was described as a symbol of faith for millions of people would be protected.
• In the name of secularism, anti Hinduism manifests itself from time to time. I believe that the touchstone of secularism should be the crucial question-what is often said against the Hindus, can it be hurled against other religions? I dare the secularists to say such things even indirectly aginst other religions and other symbols," he said.
• "The issue pertains to the culture and unity of the country. It concerns genuine secularism," Mr Advani remarked. He saw the contents of the affidavit in the same league as prime minister Manmohan Singh's "Muslims-have-the-first-claim-on-resources" statement. "I believe that our Constitution and the country's political ethos mandates the first claim on resources on the hungry and the poor, regardless of their religious background. Will we have communal budgeting in the future. I consider it as an example of communalism," he argued. The Economic Times 14.9.2007
AFFIDAVIT WITHDRAWN
• The Centre announced on Thursday that it would withdraw objectionable paragraphs in the affidavit filed by the Archaeological Survey of India in the Supreme Court which said that there was no evidence to prove "the existence of the characters or the occurrence of the events"
• Mr. Bhardwaj said: "Lord Rama is an integral part of Indian culture and ethos and cannot be a matter of debate or subject matter of litigation in court."
• He said a wrong impression had been created by media reports on the affidavit. "The existence of Rama cannot be doubted. As Himalaya is Himalaya, Ganga is Ganga, Rama is Rama. It is a question of faith. There is no requirement of any proof to establish the existence based on faith."
• Mr. Bhardwaj added: "Rama is inbuilt into the sentiments of Hindus. Indian theology derives its belief . Religion should never be made a subject matter in court." The Hindu 14.9.2007