'Modi temple' inauguration cancelled after PM's rebuke

The maker of a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat's Rajkot district has decided to cancel its inauguration after the former said he was appalled and shocked at seeing such a thing.

The maker, Ramesh Undhah, said he would worship 'Bharat Mata' in the temple and take part in the Clean India movement.

"PM Modi remains in our heart, will take part in Clean India movement. We will continue to worship Bharat Mata in this temple," Undhad told ANI.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier today said he was appalled and shocked at seeing a temple made in his name in Gujarat's Rajkot district and added that such a thing was against India's great traditions.

"Have seen the news about a temple being built in my name. I was appalled. This is shocking and against India's great traditions. Building such Temples is not what our culture teaches us. Personally, it made me very sad. Would urge those doing it not to do it," he said in a series of tweets and urged his supporters to instead devote their time and resources towards fulfilling the dream of a clean India.

The temple dedicated to the Prime Minister had been drawing supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from neighbouring villages also.

It took around two years to build the temple which initially had a photograph of Prime Minister Modi.

It rose to prominence after his win in the general elections last year and was supposed to be officially inaugurated by Minister of State for Agriculture, Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundariya on February 15.