Congress Leaders Opt Out of Ayodhya Temple Ceremony, Labeling it BJP-RSS Event

In a significant development, key leaders of the Congress party, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have decided not to attend the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. The invitation for the grand event on January 22 was turned down, as stated by Jairam Ramesh, the party’s general secretary. The Congress leaders emphasized that while Lord Ram is revered by millions in the country and religion is a personal matter, the BJP and RSS have politicized the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the BJP and RSS leaders, scheduled strategically, is perceived as an electoral move. Adhering to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and acknowledging the sentiments of those who hold Lord Ram in high regard, the Congress leaders respectfully declined the invitation, categorizing the event as distinctly aligned with the BJP and RSS.

The decision by Congress leaders comes amidst preparations for the seven-day-long installation ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla, commencing on January 16. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to attend the ceremony, underscoring the political and religious significance surrounding the Ayodhya temple inauguration.