Awhad regrets, but firm on his statements on Lord Ram

Nashik: NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Thursday said that he “regrets” if his statements on Lord Ram had hurt people’s sentiments. During his speech on the first day of the NCP state convention in Shirdi on Wednesday, Awhad stoked a controversy by making statements in reference to Lord Ram. On Thursday, BJP leaders demanded an apology from Awhad for his remarks.Speaking in Shirdi on Thursday, Awhad said: “I express regret if my remarks have hurt the sentiments of the people. I did thorough research before speaking on the issue. I had stated facts in my speech.”The senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) functionary advised his critics to read the Ramayan before targeting him on the issue. He also made it clear that his statement on the issue is not in line with his party’s opinion.Replying to Rohit Pawar’s comment on the issue, Awhad said Rohit is still young and it is his first term as an MLA. The Nashik city unit of BJP staged a protest in front of the Kalaram temple in the Ramkund area of Nashik city. The BJP workers raised slogans against Awhad. The priest of the temple, Sudhirdas Mahant, and other sadhus went to the Panchavati police station on Thursday morning and lodged a complaint against Awhad. He also demanded that government should find a way to curb the defamation of Hindu gods. NCP leader Eknath Khadse, during his address at the NCP convention, advised Awhad not to make such controversial statements at a time when the elections are near. “The statement made by Awhad was his individual view and not that of the party,” said Khadse.State women and child welfare minister, Aditi Tatkare, who was in Nashik, also condemned Awhad’s remarks. “His statements have hurt the sentiments of the devotees of Lord Ram. Politicians must refrain from making such statements,” she added.Awhad had claimed that Lord Ram belonged to the ‘Bahujans’ and was a non-vegetarian, contrary to common belief.