Congress Leaders Decline Invitation to Ram Mandir Event, Allege Political Motives

In a significant development, senior leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have officially announced their decision not to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Congress party issued a statement asserting that the event has transformed into an “RSS/BJP event” and accused the ruling party of advancing the inauguration for electoral gains.

Key Points:

1. Political Project Allegation: The Congress party accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning the construction of the Ram Temple into a political project. The statement emphasized that while Lord Ram is revered by millions, the BJP and RSS have politicized the temple in Ayodhya.
2. Incomplete Temple: The Congress leaders highlighted that the temple is not yet complete, and the inauguration has been allegedly expedited for electoral advantages. The party’s decision is in line with its commitment to abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and respecting the sentiments of those who revere Lord Ram.
3. Leaders Who Declined: The leaders who declined the invitation include Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. This decision follows contradictory opinions from various bloc partners within the Congress.
4. BJP’s Response: In response to the Congress’s decision, Union Minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the Congress party is stuck in its rhetoric and suggested that they would regret not attending the event.
5. Criticism and Support: The BJP criticized the Congress for its stance, with leaders expressing that rejecting the invitation is akin to rejecting the identity of the country. On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi supported the Congress’s decision, emphasizing the personal devotion aspect and questioning the participation of Shankaracharyas who also chose not to attend.

Conclusion:
The Congress’s decision not to participate in the Ram Temple consecration ceremony reflects the party’s reservations about the politicization of the event. As the controversy unfolds, it adds another layer to the complex intersection of religion and politics in the Indian context.