'Those Invited by Lord Ram...': Less Than Month Left for Ayodhya Temple Launch, Oppn & BJP Fight it Out

The much-awaited consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple on January 22, which will witness presence of several key people like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a political issue ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While invitations have been sent to netas, religious leaders and actors, it is the Opposition leaders’ response that has been creating a buzz.

While CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat described the programme as “politicisation of a religious programme”, former Congress leader Kapil Sibal said he has “Lord Ram in my heart”, and therefore does not will not attend “BJP’s show-off event”.

Speaking to News18, Brinda Karat confirmed that CPI(M) will skip the ‘Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav’ for Lord Ram. Neither she not party’s general secretary Sitaram Yechury will attend the event.

“No, we will not go. We respect the religious beliefs… but they are connecting a religious programme with politics. Using religion as a political weapon or to advance a political agenda is not right,” Karat said.

Kapil Sibal was quoted by ANI as saying, “What I say to you is from my heart… because I do not care about these things. If Ram is in my heart, and Ram has guided me on my journey, it means I have done something right.”

The former Congress leader attacked the BJP for being a “show-off” and said, “They talk about Lord Ram but their character is nowhere close. Truthfulness, tolerance, sacrifice, and respect for others are some of the traits of Ram but they do exactly the opposite… you need to have Ram’s principles in your heart.”

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress’ leader in the outgoing Lok Sabha, and ex-PM Manmohan Singh have also been invited, but it is not clear if Rahul Gandhi received one.

The grand old party has not clarified on their stand regarding the invite. Party’s general secretary KC Venugopal confirmed the invite but told reporters, “You will (be told) about the party’s stand… you will know on January 22. They (the BJP) invited us. We are very thankful for inviting us… let us (see).”

BJP’s Response

• Attacking Karat, Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi said, :…invitations were sent to all (but) only those called by Lord Ram will come”.

• Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis taunted BJP’s rivals, especially those “who used to mock us…” He added, “Now, if you have courage, come to Ayodhya and we will show you the temple.”