[GOTFIVEONIT]

Buddha calls Ram 'fictional', BJP sees red

Saturday, 08 December 2007

Calcutta, India December 08: From Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi to his West Bengal counterpart Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, suddenly the Ramu Setu makes them speak the same language.

After Karunanidhi questioned Ram's historical basis, it's now Buddhadeb's turn to argue that Ram is, indeed, a fictional character.

The Chief Minister quotes from Rabindranath Tagore to make his point.

"What is the historical evidence behind Ram's birth? Where is the proof that The Ramayana is history and Ram is a historical character? The birth of Ram and the birth of The Ramayana took place in the imagination of the poet,” said Buddhadeb.

The Chief Minister’s statements, made ahead of a Viswa Hindu Parishad programme in Kolkata to “save” the Ram Setu assume even more significance.

The attempt to preempt a VHP footing inside the Marxist fortress could invite some undue attention and create added discomfort for the CPM.

Rarely do you get hear the chant 'Jai Ram' in Calcutta. Buddhadeb's anxiety is understandable. A large number of people are converging in central Calcutta to touch this 'sacred' stone from Ram Setu. Five such chariots will bring in Ram Setu supporters.

"If an individual, in his attempt to hold on to his seat of power, makes a statement, would the world accept that?” asked VHP leader Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Secretary, West Calcutta VHP.

In New Delhi, the BJP took strong exception to Buddhadeb's remark. “What has been said is an offence under the law,” said senior BJP leader L K Advani.

It's a worried administration in Calcutta. After riots engulfed the city over controversial author Taslima Nasreen, the administration has been taking no chances. There will be strong security arrangements for Saturday's Ram Setu rally.

-Agencies