UP: BJP leader 'advises' Hindus to buy swords, not utensils on Diwali

Gajraj Rana, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) city president for Deoband in Uttar Pradesh has recommended the members of the Hindu Community to buy swords instead of utensils on Diwali and Dhanteras. On Sunday, October 20, he said, "I have said it earlier too and I am saying it now as well...on Diwali, on Dhanteras, I advise Hindus...don't buy silver utensils, buy iron swords instead."  When asked about his bizarre advice to the members of the Hindu community to buy swords, he said it was 'for our security.' Gajraj Rana made the comment allegedly in light of the upcoming verdict on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue.

'A weapon is necessary for security'

"I don't want that we are not able to protect ourselves. A weapon is necessary for security and our gods and goddesses have also wielded weapons," he said.

This year, Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, October 25. Dhanteras is celebrated annually before the festival of Diwali. As per tradition, people buy utensils or other items made of metal. While talking to the media, Rana also claimed that the much-awaited Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya issue will be in favour of the Ram temple. 

Rana also said, "Countrymen want a grand temple of Lord Ram to be built in Ayodhya so that everyone can have a grand darshan of Lord Ram." Rana, however, clarified that he did not "utter a word" against any community or religion.

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Known for making controversial remarks

The BJP has distanced itself from Rana's statement as he is known for making controversial remarks. The party's spokesperson for Uttar Pradesh, Chandramohan said, "The BJP does not endorse this kind of language if it has been used by him. Whatever he has said is in his personal capacity. There is a very clear guideline for the party leaders. Any action or statement must be done or said within the ambit of law and no one is above the law." In another controversial statement, Rana had said: "There is a 'Shiv Ling' inside the Mecca and Hindus used to live there once."

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(With inputs from ANI)