Oct 1, 2008 09:09
NAT53National/Politics/ReligionCongress unhappy as Soren refuses to burn Ravana effigyRanchi, Oct 1 IANS Jhakhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren's refusal to burn an effigy of demon king Ravana on Dashera day has angered his key partner, the Congress."The burning of the Ravana effigy is a symbol of victory of good over evil. Soren should not have turned down the request to do so on the Vijaya Dashami day," Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Alok Dubey told IANS. "Soren's refusal has started a new debate over the issue. This is an issue of faith, of a religion. We should respect faith," he said. Soren turned down the invitation, saying Ravana was his "kulguru" and a great scholar. His statement sparked a controversy with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's state president P.N. Singh comparing Soren with Ravana and his rule as that of a demon. Congress has criticised the BJP for the remarks. "The BJP statement is uncalled for and we criticise it," Dubey said. Lord Rama killed Ravana, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana, and the Ravana effigies are burnt in public places on Dashera next week this year across the country.--Indo-Asian News Servicens/am/vt208 Words*01101840
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