Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 27: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) held a public meeting-cum-protest rally at Ward No. 20, New Pahargaon, questioning the alleged use of the Ram Mandir issue for electoral mobilisation and demanding transparency over donations collected in its name.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Congress leader V. Raghubalan and drew Congress leaders, office-bearers, party workers and local residents. Speakers focused on the political use of religious sentiments and called for greater accountability in matters involving public contributions and institutions of faith.
Addressing the gathering, ANTCC president Rangalal Halder, District Congress president John Robert Babu, Mahila Congress president Zubaida Begum, City Congress president Mohd Zubair, NSUI State president and PYC vice-president M.A. Sajid, and Congress leader Wilfred Richfield criticised what they described as repeated political mobilisation around the Ram Mandir issue.
The speakers said the Congress respects the religious beliefs and sentiments of citizens but opposes using those sentiments for political purposes. They also raised questions over the collection and utilisation of donations associated with the Ram Mandir and sought disclosure of the funds received from devotees and the public.
The protest also brought broader economic and social concerns into the political discussion. Congress leaders said unemployment, price rises, economic difficulties, education, healthcare and livelihoods should receive attention alongside political and religious issues.
They urged people to remain alert to what they described as attempts to shift public attention away from these concerns through emotional and divisive political campaigns.
The gathering was attended by the ANTCC president, ANTCC treasurer, District Congress president, Mahila Congress president and members of her committee, City Congress president, NSUI president, representatives of the Pradesh Youth Congress, the chairman of the Minority Department, the senior vice-chairman of the Municipal Council, PRI members and other party workers and supporters.
The organisers concluded the programme by calling for stronger democratic values, communal harmony and greater transparency and accountability in matters concerning public donations and institutions of public faith.
The allegations and demands raised at the meeting were made by Congress leaders as part of the protest. The programme did not establish any finding regarding the collection or use of Ram Mandir donations.
