Bijnor: In a controversial move, Bijnor district magistrate Atal Kumar Rai wearing a saffron stole attended a Bajrang Dal event that commemorated the “martyrdom” of Ram Janmabhoomi activists, Kothari brothers. Residents of Kolkata, Ram and Sharad Kothari, who were RSS activists, were among 16 who died in police firing that took place on October 30 and November 2, 1990 while thousands of kar sevaks were trying to reach Ayodhya.Since then, Bajrang Dal observes the day as Shaheed Divas and the organization’s activists donate blood on this occasion.When the same programme was held at Bijnor club on Friday, the district magistrate was invited as the chief guest. Atal Kumar Rai not only attended the programme but also paid floral tribute to the Kothari brothers.In his speech on the occasion, the DM said, “The portraits of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman and Bharat Mata are inspirational.”Rai further said, “Lord Rama had united all deprived and depressed people of the society with the mainstream. He ate fruits offered by Shabari. People who lived in the forest and were called ‘vanar-bhalu’ were actually tribals.”He appreciated the programme and said blood donation is the greatest offering and all youths should come forward to donate blood.When asked about his presence at the Bajrang Dal event, the DM told TOI, “I was informed that there was a blood donation programme there. I attend such events, as it is a noble programme and it can save the lives of many people. It should not be looked from a political angle.”

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