BJP demands Hanuman temple in Jharkhand Assembly premises

Ex-CM Raghuvar Das threatens agitation if allotment of namaz hall is not withdrawn

: The BJP in Jharkhand has demanded construction of Hanuman temple and prayer halls for other religions as well after a notification by Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto, which surfaced on September 4, said a “namaz hall” has been allotted in the new Assembly building for Muslims. “We’re not against namaz room but the Speaker should also construct a Hanuman temple inside the Assembly premises. If the Speaker approves, we can build the temple at our own cost,” former Speaker and senior BJP leader C.P. Singh said. BJP legislative party leader and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi too demanded that the Assembly Secretary should “allot five rooms for other religions and a hall for Hindus as well to recite Hanuman Chalisa there”. Chief whip of the BJP legislative party and Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan told The Hindu over phone that he has demanded the Speaker to withdraw the order otherwise, he will be forced to approach the court. “Your order is unconstitutional, unparliamentarily and irreligious to appease Muslims. So you cancel it to protect constitutional values, else I’ll be compelled to approach court,” Mr. Narayan wrote in his letter. Another party leader and former CM Raghuvar Das said the BJP would launch an agitation if the Speaker’s decisions are not withdrawn.