New Delhi, EW News: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda stirred the political landscape amidst the ongoing North-South India row by emphasizing the unifying legacy of Lord Ram, stating that the revered deity united the nation and laid its foundation.

Addressing the concluding day of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, Deve Gowda highlighted the profound impact of Lord Ram's virtues on the nation's ethos. He remarked, "… It is through Lord Rama and his divine blessings that united this nation and laid the foundation for our nation."

Reflecting on his reverence for Lord Ram, Deve Gowda recounted attending the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya with his wife, describing it as a moment of immense joy and devotion. He lauded Lord Ram as a symbol of righteousness, love, and graciousness, whose values drew Mahatma Gandhi and continue to inspire the nation.

Deve Gowda's remarks come amidst a contentious debate sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who criticized states like Congress-ruled Karnataka for questioning the devolution formula and attempting to sow seeds of division between North and South India.

In a gesture of goodwill, Deve Gowda commended Prime Minister Modi's dedication to observing the 11-day fasting rituals leading up to the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha day. He also welcomed the Union government's decision to posthumously award Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao, and MS Swaminathan, urging unity on this significant recognition.

The Budget session, initially slated to conclude on February 9, has been extended by a day to accommodate discussions on critical issues the nation is going through.

Amidst the charged atmosphere of regional politics, Deve Gowda's invocation of Lord Ram's unifying spirit serves as a poignant reminder of the transcendent values that bind India together beyond geographical and ideological divides. As the nation navigates through various challenges, the essence of unity and inclusivity embodied by Lord Ram remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.