Delhi colony asks Mani Shankar Aiyar, daughter to 'move out' over Ram Mandir comments

The resident’s welfare association in Delhi’s Jangpura Extension has sent a notice to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and daughter Suranya Aiyar over her comments on social media against the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

The letter dated January 27, 2024, and shared on X by the head of BJP's IT cell Amit Malviya, censured Suranya for "creating hatred and tension" in the colony and asked her father to condemn her actions. The letter suggests they "move out to another colony," if they wished to continue their protests.

Suranya told Indian Express that she does not live in the house in Jangpura. The house is owned by Mani Shankar Aiyar, according to his election affidavit.

The notice was sent days after Suranya Aiyar, in social media post, said she observing a 3-day fast in protest against the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. She called it an "expression of love and sorrow to fellow Muslim citizens," and went on to condemn "what is being done in the name of Hinduism and nationalism in Ayodhya."

The association termed her comments hate speech and said they "do not appreciate a resident rant which may disturb the peace in the colony or hurt religious sentiments of the residents." The notice went on to ask Suranya to refrain from "provoking anyone" or "creating mistrust among the people."

The letter pointed out that the Ram Mandir was being built after a "5-0 Supreme Court verdict" and suggested Suranya move court to challenge it, rather than "take out frustration" and hurt religious sentiments.

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"You might take the cover of freedom of speech but please remember as per Supreme Court of India freedom of speech cannot be absolute," it added.

The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple was held on January 22 in Ayodhya and celebrated in many residential buildings and societies across the country with live-streaming, food and festivities.