Kolkata:  Bollywood actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the publicity surrounding the Ram Mandir, noting a significant drop in visitors after the Pran Pratishtha on January 22.

Speaking at a public gathering in Asansol, West Bengal, Sinha remarked on the BJP's grandiose portrayal of the temple, even before its completion.

Expressing disappointment, Sinha highlighted the diminishing number of visitors, stating that initially, around five lakh people visited the temple, followed by a decrease to three lakh, and then two lakh. He noted a further decline to just a few thousand visitors.

Sinha questioned the BJP's actions, particularly emphasizing the absence of Shankaracharyas and the incomplete status of the temple. He accused the BJP of prioritizing publicity over addressing pressing issues like the ongoing farmer protests.

In response, the BJP labeled Sinha a "liar." Amit Malviya, in charge of BJP's National Information and Technology Department, denounced Sinha's remarks and accused him of defamation and spreading falsehoods about Lord Ram.

Malviya refuted Sinha's claims, stating that over 50 lakh people visited Ayodhya for Lord Ram's darshan in the first month, with numbers steadily increasing. He projected an annual visitation of over five crore devotees, surpassing the numbers received by Mecca and Vatican.

Malviya further defended the inclusive nature of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, asserting that people from all walks of life, regardless of wealth, caste, or denomination, participated. He questioned whether the people of Asansol would tolerate someone who disparages and spreads lies about Lord Ram.

The exchange between Sinha and the BJP underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Ram Mandir issue and its implications for electoral politics.

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