“Open fire on Kar Sevaks by Mulayam Singh Contributed Ram mandir Construction”, Sanjay Raut on Pran Prtishtha

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut stirred controversy by suggesting that Samajwadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in 1990, contributed to the construction of the Ram Mandir by ordering open fire against Kar Sevaks. Raut’s statements have drawn criticism and sparked a debate about the role of various political leaders in the temple’s construction.

Raut went on to claim that the BJP is attempting to politicize the Ram Mandir, accusing the party of using the construction as a tool for electoral gains. He argued that the movement initially had no political intentions, but the narrative has shifted in favor of the BJP, creating a perception that Ayodhya and the Ram Mandir are solely associated with the party.

Allegations Against Prime Minister Modi:
Further escalating the political discourse, Raut asserted that the construction of the Ram Temple is the “biggest failure” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. According to him, PM Modi relies on the Ram Mandir agenda to secure electoral victories and divert attention from other pressing issues, such as Kashmiri Pandits, corruption, and unemployment.

Response from Spiritual Leaders:
The controversy also extended to claims that four Shankaracharyas, including those of Dwarka and Sringeri Math, opposed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. While the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath and Puri expressed their decision not to attend the event, Dwarka and Sringeri Math clarified that they did not oppose the ceremony. The spiritual leaders urged devotees to participate in the celebration of the Ram Mandir inauguration.

Legal Action Against Shiv Sena Members:
Adding to the tumult, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare faced legal consequences for her derogatory remarks questioning the characters of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Maharashtra Police booked Andhare for insulting religious sentiments and creating a stir with her controversial statements.

As Ayodhya prepares for the historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the event has become a focal point for political sparring and divergent narratives. The conflicting statements from political leaders and the legal repercussions for inflammatory remarks highlight the sensitivity surrounding the Ram Mandir and its broader implications on the socio-political landscape in India. The nation awaits the ceremony with a mix of anticipation, celebration, and, inevitably, political discord.