New Delhi, May 1 (ANI): Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief has appreciated the inclusion of suggestions given by Dharma Raksha Manch in the election manifesto of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The election manifesto of the Bhartiya Janata Party not only mentions these 11 points but also defines the bases of development in the country keeping Indian values in mind. I think this is an issue to be taken care of. They have clearly mentioned in the 13th para of the manifesto that spirituality should be base of development," Singhal said, addressing a news conference here.

The 11 points of Dharma Raksha Manch include construction of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, saving cows and rivers like Ganga that have religious significance, a common civil code and considering India as a spiritual leader and not a secular one among others.

Criticizing the Congress President Sonia Gandhi for denying existence of Ram Setu, he said the UPA Chairperson was trying to deny the Indian history.

"The government that is headed by Sonia Gandhi said that Ram was not a historical man, he has no existence. He can be a novel or a story. Ram was never there. And if Ram has no existence, he is not a historical man; in that case there was no war between Ram and Ravana, no Ram setu was constructed neither there is a Ram birth place", said Ashok Singhal. (ANI)