Patna: Union minister Giriraj Singh on Monday triggered a political storm in Bihar by asking the state government to rechristen places named after Mughal rulers.

Mr Singh said that medieval Muslim rulers invaded and captured Indian towns when they were strong “but now the time has come when we should start renaming them again”.

Mr Singh also appreciated decisions taken by UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath to change the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj. He said, “Yogi Adityanath took a bold decision. The-re are many towns in Bihar including Bakhtiyarpur and Akbarpur which should be renamed”.

Mr Singh also said that Muslims were the descendants of Lord Ram and hence must help in resolving the dispute and support the construction of the temple.

“Hindus and Muslims in India are from the same lineage. I strongly believe that they are descendants of Lord Rama and not Mughals as being portrayed by a few political leaders. We would appreciate if they support in the construction of Ram temple” said Mr Singh.

There has been unease in the JD (U) after Mr Singh gave the statement on Monday. Reacting bitterly to the statement JD (U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “Our party believes in building infrastructure and development. He keeps issuing controversial statements to remain in the news”.

The RJD and HAM leaders also criticized him for his controversial statement. RJD spokesperson Bhai Birendra said, “BJP uses such communal card to polarize voters during elections. Mr Singh must remember that the country belongs to both Ram and Rahim.”