NEW DELHI
The Sunday Guardian talked to Jai Bhagwan Goyal, International Working President of United Hindu Front. In 1992, he was one of the main accused in the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Playing an important role in the construction of the Ram Mandir, Jai Bhagwan Goyal spoke on how Ram Mandir would help India become a world leader. Edited excerpts:
Q: What are the objectives of the United Hindu Front?
A: Our vision of India is Hindu rashtra—the Hindu rashtra that was there during Chhatrpati Shivaji. We have to forward that kind of religion, where everyone is treated equally, where everyone has equal rights.
Q: The Ram Mandir is finally coming into existence. What does it mean to you?
A: The inauguration on 22 January is for all those people who believe in Sanatan Dharma. This is the best thing for all of us people. What happened in 1992 when we demolished the Babri Masjid, it was a Hindu rashtra returning to emerge stronger. The stain that was on the forehead of Hindus for 500 years was washed away on that day. With full buzz and veneration Ram Lalla will be inaugurated. It is not only about the construction of the Ram Mandir but it is about what it is going to represent. It will be the fort of Hindu religion. It will give the whole world and India, Ram Rajya. And it will also usher in India as Vishwa Guru (world leader).
Q: Do you really believe that the construction will mark the beginning of Ram Rajya as said by Yogi Adityanath (which means a rule where there will be no discrimination on the basis of caste and religion)?
A: Sanatan Dharma talks about people who do not discriminate. It is about people who believe in equality and accommodate everyone, no matter what the caste, religion or country is. Since the last few years, the flag of Sanatan Dharma has started flying. The way Prime Minister Modi speaks in front of the whole world about those who disturb peace. Even in G20 the flag of Sanatan Dharma has been established in such a way that it has made Sanatan a proud culture and religion. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, PM Modi did not let the nation get demoralised. We have told the whole world that those who have problems, those problems are not only theirs but ours too. We are there to help the whole world.
Q: Do you mean that India should be a theocratic nation?
A: No, I mean to say the Constitution of India or the democracy of India is the strongest in the world. We have Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people from different religions living together. The Constitution has given equal rights to everyone. If the country is run by religion, it would be like running the country according to one person’s whims and fancies. If I have rights in this country, I have duties too. I am talking about the dutifulness towards our nation.
Q: The inauguration is in January, would you be inviting Opposition leaders? If Rahul Gandhi, or Mallikarjun Kharge wants to come, would you invite them as well?
A: Whenever there has been talk of the construction of Ram Mandir, there have been hurdles in its construction. They (the Congress) have worked towards that. Even when there was a day to day hearing, Kapil Sibal (then in the Congress) in the Supreme Court had appealed to let the case be decided after the Lok Sabha elections. They have always thought that if they talked about the Ram Mandir their Muslim vote bank will sway from the party. They even said that Ram Setu didn’t exist.
Q: What if Rahul Gandhi wants to come?
A: There is no barrier there. Anybody can go there. But on 22 January, only the listed people will go there for security reasons. After that anybody can go there, whether Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee or Rahul Gandhi.