Build toilets first, Temples later: Modi
New Delhi: Build toilets first and temples later, said Hindutva icon and BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in a function organised for the youth.
The Gujarat Chief Minister’s comment could well stoke a controversy from within his party and sister organizations, which are keen to rake up the “temple issue” again ahead of next general elections.
A similar comment on toilets from Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh that the country needs more toilets than temples had stirred a row with a large number of women organizations and NGOs protesting against the remark.
Touting the slogan of development that could take the country on the path of speedy progress, Modi said lakhs of rupees were spent on temples in villages, but there were no toilets there.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts, he lamented that it was ironic that women in the country had to go in the open for easing themselves in the absence of toilets.
Modi said it was the quality of a real leader to have the strength to handle all problems and lead the way forward. He said that for good governance and speedy progress, it was necessary for planners to focus on outlay, outcome and social audit.
