Bitta asks parties not to politicise Ram Setu issue

RAMESWARAM: Congress leader M S Bitta has said the Ram Sethu issue was very emotive and the controversy sparked by the Centre's affidavit fiasco should not be politicised by parties for narrow gains.

Bitta, who is the founder of the Anti-Terrorist Front, said the bridge, which finds mention in the Ramayana epic, must be protected at all costs as it is our "ancient treasure".

"I will be the first person to sacrifice my life for preventing any damage to the bridge," he said.

"Ram is respected by all Indians irrespective of caste and religion. Ramayana is known throughout the world. When the country itself is identified with Ram, how could a structure built by him could be allowed to be damaged," Bitta said.

Bitta also regretted the controversial anti-Ram remarks made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, saying it has hurt the sentiments of people all over the world.

"Karunanidhi should know that even the Father of the Nation -- Mahatma Gandhi -- died uttering the name of Ram," he said, adding Guru Gobind Singh makes a mention about Ram in his holy scripture.

Bitta said he had come to Rameswaram as a devotee to protest against the move to demolish Ram Sethu.

He also visited the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple.