Toilets before temples, says Narendra Modi; how BJP has changed, says Congress

New Delhi: Narendra Modi earned a round of loud applause and much cheering when he told 7000 college students in a Delhi stadium on Wednesday that he would build more toilets in India before he would build temples. (Make toilets before temples: Narendra Modi tells students in Delhi)

"My identity is of a Hindutvawadi, but I say build toilets before you build temples," the BJP's candidate for prime minister said, putting development before Hindutva as he rued the fact that many Indians still do not have access to basic sanitation.(Watch)

The BJP is pleased with the punch-line and with the development agenda of its leader. "Kudos to Namo giving more importance to toilets than places of worship. Vivekanand also said Daridra sewa is Narain seva (serving the poor is serving the god)," tweeted Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today.

But the Congress says, not so fast. Did Modi's BJP not criticize union minister Jairam Ramesh last year for saying much the same thing?

"BJP demanded Jairam Ramesh's apology, backing Modi on same statement now, shows BJP's double standards," tweeted Congress spokesperson and minister Rajeev Shukla this morning.

A year ago, almost to the day, Mr Ramesh had said, "I think toilets are more important than temples. No matter how many temples we go to, we are not going to get salvation. We need to give priority to toilets and cleanliness."

The BJP slammed Mr Ramesh with party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy saying, "It would be good for Mr Ramesh that out of his exuberance he stops making such comments which will destroy the fine fabric of religion and faith."

Even Mr Ramesh's own party, the Congress, was not terribly pleased. The ruling party said it respects "the sanctity of every religious place". Party spokesperson Manish Tewari also said, "The Congress party believes in sarvadharmasambhav - equal respect for all religions and religious places.