For Rajasthan Minister, R in R-Day stands for Ram

In his speech as the chief guest, he flayed the minorities and proclaimed, ‘‘Mandir Wahin Baneyenge’’.

Clad in a saffron kurta, Dilawar declared in front of the assembled state guests and schoolchildren, that ‘‘there are no minorities in India’’.

Making a pitch for the abolition of Article 370, he said anybody who lives in India is a Hindu. ‘‘Since there is nobody from the minority community, Article 370 should be scrapped.’’

Regarding Ayodhya, he said the party was committed to construction of ‘‘full-fledged temple’’ at the site. ‘‘There was a Ram Temple at the site, which was destroyed by the armies of Babar. There should now be a new temple at the same place instead of the makeshift structure that currently exists.’’

Moreover, it was only fair that the government should back the Ram Temple bid, he argued, since ‘‘even the Somnath Temple was destroyed by invaders. But it was rebuilt with government support and the then President himself inaugurated it.’’

The minister defended his speech saying he was talking about national issues.

‘‘The Ram Temple is a national issue and there is nothing wrong in talking about it on a national holiday,’’ he said.