Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 27: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) organised a Public Meeting-cum-Protest Rally on the issue of “Chanda Chori by BJP” at Ward No. 20, New Pahargaon, highlighting the alleged misuse of the Ram Mandir issue for electoral and political mobilisation over the years.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Congress Leader Dr. V. Raghubalan and witnessed the participation of a large number of Congress leaders, office-bearers, workers and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder along with District Congress President Mr. John Robert Babu, Mahila Congress President Mrs. Zubaida Begum, City Congress President Mr. Mohd Zubair, NSUI State President & PYC Vice- President Mr. M.A Sajid & Congress Leaders Mr. Wilfred Richfield said that the Ram Mandir issue has repeatedly been used as a political instrument for electoral mobilisation, while the Congress has consistently stood for constitutional values, social harmony, communal amity and the welfare of the people.
They further said that the Congress party respects the faith and sentiments of every citizen, but strongly opposes the use of religious sentiments for political gains. They questioned the alleged collection and utilisation of donations in the name of the Ram Mandir and demanded transparency, accountability and proper disclosure of the funds collected from devotees and the public.
They also emphasised that issues concerning unemployment, rising prices, economic hardship, education, healthcare and the livelihood of ordinary people must receive equal attention. They called upon the people to remain vigilant against attempts to divert public attention from pressing issues through emotional and divisive politics.
The programme was attended by ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder, along with senior Congress leaders, ANTCC Treasurer, District Congress President, Mahila Congress President and her Committee Members, City Congress President, NSUI President, representatives of Pradesh Youth Congress, Chairman of the Minority Department, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Municipal Council, PRI members and a large number of Congress party workers and supporters.
The gathering concluded with a call for strengthening democratic values, protecting communal harmony and ensuring transparency and accountability in matters involving public donations and institutions of public faith.
