Himachal Pradesh Marks Historic Day: Declares Full Holiday for Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ceremony

In a historic move, Himachal Pradesh has declared a full holiday on January 22, aligning with the Prana Pratishta ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Notably, this decision makes Himachal Pradesh the first Congress-ruled state in the country to announce a holiday on this auspicious occasion. The move seems to be in contrast to the Congress party’s official stand, which has previously criticized BJP-ruled states for giving a political hue to the event.

This development unfolds amidst a broader discourse regarding the Ram Mandir ceremony, with 12 BJP-ruled states having earlier declared holidays. The Congress leadership had expressed skepticism, considering it a move to politicize the event. However, Himachal Pradesh’s decision to observe a holiday reflects a nuanced approach within the state.

On another note, AIIMS Delhi initially announced the closure of its OP division on Monday, a decision that stirred controversy and faced criticism. Subsequently, the decision was rolled back, and the OP section is now set to remain open. The withdrawal of leave for employees until noon was attributed to considerations about potential inconveniences to patients.

Meanwhile, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has also declared a holiday until tomorrow afternoon in commemoration of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The move to observe a holiday in healthcare institutions has sparked discussions, with Rajya Sabha MP and lawyer Kapil Sibal expressing his views on social media. Sibal commented, “This will never happen in ‘real Rama Rajya’,” offering a critical perspective on the decision to grant leave in connection with the temple ceremony.