The 'bhoomi pujan' function at Ayodhya done by the Prime Minister of India televised globally by the national broadcaster, DD has confirmed all the major points raised by the CPI(M) Polit Bureau yesterday.

1. The state take over of the construction of the temple in the presence of the Governor and the CM of UP is a negation of the secular democratic character of the Indian Republic.

2. It is also a violation of the Supreme Court verdict that directed the temple construction to be undertaken by a Trust.

3. This 'bhumi pujan' provided retrospective legitimisation for the destruction of the Babri Masjid. The SC verdict described this as an "egregious violation of law" and called for punishment of those who committed this act.The construction has begun before any such punishment.

4. This 'bhumi pujan' function is a naked exploitation of people's religious sentiments for partisan, political purposes and brazenly violates the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution.

5. The event as televised is a clear violation of the Covid protocol stipulated by the Union Home Ministry prohibiting religious gatherings.

6. Indian Constitution guarantees and our law protects the choice of faith of each citizen. The government must protect the choice of all citizens. State has no religion.