Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Sunday praised former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as the only good human of Nehru-Gandhi family. Swamy said that Gandhi contributed to awakening of the Hindus by allowing telecast of Ramayana on Doordarshan, the national television network. He added that Rajiv Gandhi got the locks of Ram temple at Ayodhya opened for prayers. “Rajiv Gandhi was the only good human being in the (Nehru-Gandhi) family and had contributed to awakening of the Hindus,” he told reporters here. Swamy, known for his controversial statements, added: “Rajiv (Gandhi) allowed telecast of the mythological soap Ramayana on Doordarshan, the national television network, despite fierce opposition from Congress leaders.” Swamy exuded optimism about resolution of the vexed Ayodhya dispute in the wake of the Supreme Court’s prodding to the contending parties to work out an off-the-court settlement. The senior BJP leader, took an ostensible jibe at top Congress leadership, he said, “The Congress appears to be in a mood to commit suicide… we are there to carry out its funeral.” Swamy was here to deliver a lecture on the Ayodhya issue.
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Swamy’s comments came in backdrop of a Supreme Court suggestion of trying for an out of court settlement in long pending Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir dispute in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court sought an urgent hearing on the matter next week and offered to play a mediator to sort out the controversy after suggesting the contesting groups to try for an amicable solution by talks. The apex court’s decision came just a few days after BJP returned to power in the politically crucial Uttar Pradesh and installed Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister of the state. Adityanath has been a vocal champion of the construction of Ram Mandir at the controversial site in Ayodhya, which is considered by a majority of Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram.