Rane says seers must bless, not criticise, temple; draws oppn ire

Opposition in Maharashtra slammed Union minister Narayan Rane on Sunday for his comments on Shankaracharyas. They sought BJP's apology and Rane's dismissal from the Modi government. Rane, while speaking to reporters in Palghar on Saturday, had said that Shankaracharyas should bless the Ram temple instead of criticising some aspects of it. On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Rane has insulted Hinduism by questioning the contribution of Shankaracharyas. "BJP should apologise before January 22 (when idol consecration ceremony of Ram temple will take place in Ayodhya) and the PM must sack Rane from the Union cabinet," Raut said.