In a recent controversy, Suranya Aiyar, daughter of Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, faced eviction from a south-east Delhi house following a social media post related to the Ram Temple. However, Suranya clarified in a Facebook video that she doesn't even reside in the relevant colony, debunking the eviction notice issued by the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) in Jangpura.
The RWA, in a letter, urged Mani Shankar Aiyar and his daughter to vacate the colony, citing Suranya's social media post as a "stand/rant" against the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir. The association accused Suranya of engaging in "hate speech" and requested her to adhere to the norms of a responsible citizen. The RWA highlighted that the colony was predominantly inhabited by residents who had migrated from Pakistan after partition.
The controversy originated from Suranya Aiyar's Facebook post on January 20, where she claimed to be fasting in protest against the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir.
She framed her act as an expression of love and sorrow for her fellow Muslim citizens. Responding to the RWA's notice, Suranya defended her stance in a video, emphasizing the peaceful nature of her protest and asserting the need for civilized and thoughtful discourse on such matters.
The RWA, in its response, criticized Suranya, stating that her comments were unbecoming of an educated person, especially considering the Ram Mandir construction after a 500-year wait and a unanimous Supreme Court verdict.
The RWA, representing the sentiments of the residents, took a strong stand against what they perceived as an insult to the sacred 'pran pratishtha' ceremony.
Suranya Aiyar, addressing the RWA's notice, reiterated her commitment to peaceful expression and emphasized the importance of fostering a more civilized and sincere dialogue about such sensitive topics in India.
She pointed out her international education background and involvement in activism across political spectrums.
The BJP seized on the controversy, framing it as a message to those who disrespect Hindu beliefs.
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT department, highlighted that the RWA had demanded apologies from Mani Shankar Aiyar and his daughter for allegedly defiling the 'pran pratistha' ceremony and urged them to leave the residential colony.
As of now, Mani Shankar Aiyar has not commented on the ongoing row. The incident has unfolded against the backdrop of the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony at the newly built Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, which was prominently attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The clash between Suranya Aiyar and the RWA underscores the complexities surrounding religious sentiments, freedom of expression, and the need for respectful discourse in a diverse and culturally rich country like India. The incident also highlights the intersection of politics, social media, and personal beliefs, showcasing the challenges of navigating these realms in the contemporary landscape.