Feku Modi wants Toilets not Temple
NEW DELHI: Build toilets first and temples later, said Hindutva icon and BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
Speaking at a function organized here for the youth, Modi said he dared to say so even though his image as a Hindutva leader did not allow him.
"I am known to be a Hindutva leader. My image does not permit to say so, but I dare to say. My real thought is Pehle shauchalaya, phir devalaya' (Toilet first, temple later)," he said.
The Gujarat chief minister's comment could well stoke a controversy from within his party and sister organizations, which are keen to rake up the "temple issue" again ahead of next general elections.
A similar comment on toilets from Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh that the country needs more toilets than temples had stirred a row with a large number of women organizations and NGOs protesting against the remark.
Touting the slogan of development that could take the country on the path of speedy progress, Modi said lakhs of rupees were spent on temples in villages, but there were no toilets there.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts, he lamented that it was ironic that women in the country had to go in the open for easing themselves in the absence of toilets.
Build toilets first and temples later, Narendra Modi says - The Times of India
When the congress leader and rural development minister jairam ramesh made such commets a year ago the BJP was calling for his head.
BJP lashes out at Jairam Ramesh for comparing toilets with temples
BJP flays Jairam Ramesh for temple, toilet remarks - India - DNA
Now, the demi God of BJP the great iron man, vikas purush, the super man himself have defamed temples and compared them with Toilets.
Now, it will be interesting to note that double standard BJP which was ridiculing congress man's comments how it will react now.
Will BJP ask Modi to resign or make a public apology or the BJP known for its double standard will kept a mum or twist words to justify him.