Taking a dig at the BJP, Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel said on Thursday, 15 November, that even though the Uttar Pradesh has a "government of babas (monks)", the Ram temple is yet to be built in Ayodhya.
“UP has a government of babas... the Chief Minister is the ‘peethadheshwar’ of Gorakhpur and he needs to serve the God there... he is not able to do much. It is almost over 10 years that the BJP has been in power (at the Centre), together with Atal Bihar Vajpayees’ six years. Now in the state too (the party is in power). They still could do nothing for the Ram temple.”Hardik Patel, as told to PTI
During his visit to Lucknow in connection with a programme involving youngsters and the farmers slated for December, Patel accused the saffron party of "doing nothing" for the nation while in power.
"They (BJP leaders) ask what has been done in 70 years. It is good that the Congress established schools and colleges. Had they installed statues, where would the IITs be? I think the youth of India would have gone to Australia and the US," Patel said, adding, "this does not mean I want to help the Congress in any way."
"I do not praise those who speak untruth," Patel said.
The Patidar leader also hit out at the BJP government in the state over its spree of renaming the cities.
“If changing names can serve a purpose, change the name of people as Ram, Laxman or Dashrath... will it bring Ram Rajya or benefit the country? You can also rename me Ram, if that helps.”Hardik Patel
When asked if he would contest the Lok Sabha election as a candidate of the united opposition parties, Patel said that he has not given it a thought.
"But this is a matter of time. When and where to contest and against whom will be disclosed later," he said.
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