UP minister Ompal Nehra sacked for asking Muslims to help build Ram temple in Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh minister Ompal Nehra has been sacked, after commenting that Muslims must give up their claims on mosques in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi and help build temples in those places.

The minister made the comment on Thursday at a function in Bijnore, reports NDTV. This morning, he was sacked by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Mr Nehra had said, "Where can a Ram temple be built if not at Ayodhya? Muslims should help in building a Ram temple in Ayodhya and a Krishna temple in Mathura and give up their claim on mosques there. In fact I would say that Muslims should join Kar Seva (volunteer) for the Ram temple."

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been gathering truckloads of stones for a temple at the site in Ayodhya, where the Babri Masjid once stood, and was destroyed by Hindu fanatics in 1992.