Ayodhya, October 2:  Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on Tuesday appealed to the Muslim community to help in the construction of Ayodhya temple dedicated to Lord Ram. The Minister claimed that the Muslims, too, were "descendants of Lord Rama, and not Babur". Giriraj said that if Muslims do not help in the construction of Ayodhya temple, he will be anguished. "I will be anguished because Muslims too hail from the descendants of Lord Ram and not from Babur or his lineage", he was quoted by ANI. Rahul's Visit to Shiva Temples Political Gimmick: Giriraj Singh.

The Minister followed up his controversial claim saying, "If Hindus run out of patience, they will take over Mathura, Ayodhya and Kashi". This contention from the minister came when the Hindutva groups are mounting pressure on the centre for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed venue believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: 'Lord Ram Himself Will Set the Date For Temple Construction', Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Singh also launched a stirring attack on the opposition, accusing Congress president Rahul Gandhi of expelling members who worship Lord Shiva and then chanting "Har Har Mahadev" for the sake of votes. "If you are true Hindus, stop having beef at your parties and don't visit temples only before the elections," he said

Previously, the Minister has been in controversies when he tried to recruit Muslims for building Ram Temple. "I believe our side is stronger. We will respect the court's decision but I would say that other Muslims should support the Ram temple as our Shia brothers have done. They should let go of their obstinacy because we are both descendants of Hindus," he had said a few months ago.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2018 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).