A Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Uttar Pradesh has advised people to buy iron swords on Dhanteras this year rather than buying gold ornaments and silverware.

Dhanteras is celebrated annually before the festival of Diwali. As per tradition, people buy utensils or other items made of metal. This year, Dhanteras will be observed on October 25 (Friday).

The BJP's city president for Deoband, Gajraj Rana, made the comment in light of the upcoming verdict on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue and asked the Hindu society to buy swords as it will be "useful in the near future".

The BJP leader's comments came after the Supreme Court finished hearing in the Ayodhya land dispute case and reserved its judgment.

While talking to the media, Rana said, "Countrymen want a grand temple of Lord Ram to be built in Ayodhya so that everyone can have a grand darshan of Lord Ram."

Gajraj Rana said, "The Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya issue is expected soon and we are confident that it will be in favour of the Ram temple. However, this could vitiate the atmosphere, so it is advisable to stock iron swords instead of gold jewellery and silver vessels. These swords will be useful for our own protection when such a time comes."

When he was asked about his advice to buy swords, he said, "The scenario of the country will deteriorate and in such circumstances, we want to protect ourselves."

Rana however, clarified that he did not "utter a word" against any community or religion. "Even in our rituals, we worship weapons and our Gods and Goddesses have used weapons depending on circumstances. My statement was in reference to the current changing environment and a suggestion to the members of my community. Nothing more should be read into it," he added. Meanwhile, the BJP has distanced itself from Rana's statement. The party's spokesman for Uttar Pradesh, Chandramohan said: "The BJP does not endorse this kind of language if it has been used by him. Whatever he has said is in his personal capacity. There is a very clear guideline for the party leaders. Any action or statement must be done or said within the ambit of law and no one is above the law."

Gajraj Rana has come under fire for his controversial statements on previous occasions as well. He had previously equated Islamic seminary in Deoband the Darul Uloom with terrorism while campaigning in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In another controversial statement, Rana had said: "There is a 'Shiv Ling' inside the Mecca and Hindus used to live there once."

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