By IANS
Chennai : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Thursday asked DMK leader M. Karunanidhi to “withdraw” his “statements on Ram”.
“I would like the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi, to withdraw his statements (on Ram), which I regard as an affront, pouring contempt on the religious feelings of the majority in the country,” Advani told the media here.
Karunanidhi has repeatedly stated that Ram is a myth and an imaginary figure. He is upset over the demands of pro-Hindutva groups to stop the Sethusamudram ship canal project off the Tami Nadu coast.
Advani, on his way back from Palayamkottai where he attended the state council meet of his party, said in Chennai, “Elections are likely to take place in early 2008”.
BJP and affiliated groups have been opposing the Sethusamudram canal on the grounds that it will damage the Ram Sethu – held sacred by millions of Hindus.
The central government wants to press ahead with the project, as it will cut short the navigational distance between the eastern and western coasts of India by nearly 800 km. The government had even submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court Sep 12, questioning the historical existence of Lord Ram, but withdrew it after strong protests from the BJP and pro-Hindutva groups.