Kharge calls for unity and strength on Buddha Purnima

Regrets that while publicity of Buddhism is done abroad, it isn't spreading in India where the religion was born

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kalaburagi

"TODAY we are in a difficult time, undecided, whether we need war or Buddha's peace mantra. When self respect and the security of the country are threatened, we should love the country beyond caste and religion. The country is bigger than religion," said AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge who is also Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

After offering flowers to the statue of Buddha at Buddha Vihar at Siddharth Vihar Trust on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on Monday, Kharge addressed the devotees and Buddhist monks. "If the country survives, the Constitution, democracy and religion can survive. Therefore, in this time of war, people of the country should not be afraid of anything. They should not lose their self-confidence," he said.