Somnath (Gujerat): BJP senior leader and Parliamentary party chairman Lal Krishna Advani (80) visited Somnath Temple this morning and offered worship to the historic deity. It is 20 years back this day that Advani started on a historic chariot journey (Rathayatra) from Somnath to Ayodhya which created a new wave in favour of Hindu forces.
Talking to Press on the special occasion at the temple, he said. The Ayodhya journey that he undertook 2 decades ago then, had created a tremendous effect on India and its people. Uma Bharathi accompanied him on the 20th anniversary of that occasion to the temple, today, as well.
On 25-09-1990 Advani’s Ratha Yatra started from Somnath to Ayodhya Ram Jana Bhoomi. The journey covered 10,000 kms, before ending in Ayodhya on October 30, traversing all over the country. Advani has paid a visit to the temple every year since then. The Somnath – Ayodhya journey raised BJP as a national party, Advani wanted the Hindus to help construct a temple for Sri Rama at Ayodhya on the disputed spot. Hindu youths were attracted to this idea in 1990. Security was tightened up during Advani’s visit.