Bihar: 'Temple path to mental slavery' poster by RLD legislator draws flak

Patna (Bihar) [India], January 1 : A controversy erupted on Monday after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA, Fateh Bahadur Singh, put up posters which spoke disparagingly of temples while extolling the virtues of education.
The posters describing temples as a "path to mental slavery" was put up by RJD MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh close to one of the gates of 10, Circular Road, the government bungalow allotted to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, who shares her residence with husband and party president Lalu Prasad and son Tejashwi Yadav, the deputy CM.
The posters display the images of Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav.
The poster, commemorating the birth anniversary of social reformist Savitri Bai Phule, features a quote by her emphasising temple as "a path to mental slavery", while referring to schools as the way to "enlightenment in life".
BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi, while speaking to ANI said that the leaders of the INDIA bloc do not dare to say anything against the other religions except Hinduism.

"These people of INDI alliance...they are continuously attacking Sanatana and insulting the Hindu religion...They don't dare to say anything about Christianity or Islam. They say whatever comes to their mind..." he said.
Sushil Kumar Modi further said that it is wrong to call that temple a symbol of slavery.
"Today, when crores of people of the country are preparing to go to Ram Temple, it is wrong to call that temple a symbol of slavery, whereas the temple is a symbol of freedom from the cultural slavery that existed in this country," he added.
Sounding similar, union minister Nityanand Rai alleged that the remark from the RJD MLA came at the behest of Bihar former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son and current Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav.
"All these actions are being done at the behest of Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. Does not matter if they abuse the Sanatan Dharma and Hindu religion, the people of the country are eagerly waiting for the inauguration of the temple. The whole country has immersed in devotion of Lord Ram. Ram is the faith of the country...The statement of the MLA against a certain religion is only came for political interest... Nitish Kumar is silent over this issue which suggests his agreement," Rai said.
However, Fateh Bahadur Singh stood firm over his statement and said, "Our ancestors never advocated for temple or mosque and religions. They have fought for education and self-respect. I also say that the pens and books should be there in hands of 'bahujan'. What development will take place with the constructions of Ram temple in Ayodhya. I think only one section of the society that is Manuvadi- they will be benefited with this.