Photos of an idol of Swaminarayan dressed in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s trademark khaki shorts and white shirt started circulating on social media, and set off a controversy in the state on Tuesday. In the photo, the idol can also be seen holding the national flag. The temple authorities said someone had gifted them the outfit a few days ago, and they often dress up their idol in different clothes.
“We do not have any other agenda. We did not know that it will create a controversy,” said Swami Vishwaprakashji, a priest at the temple, according to PTI.
However, the Congress was quick to condemn the move. Party leader Shankersinh Vaghela said, “What do you want to prove by dressing up the god in khaki shorts? I pity those who have done that. Today, you have dressed the Lord in RSS uniform, tomorrow you will dress the idol in BJP’s uniform. This is very unfortunate.”
The state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Vijay Rupani said, “I am really surprised. If it was done, I do not approve of it.”
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