Political Sparring Continues as Congress and BJP Clash Over Shankaracharyas’ Absence at Ram Temple Event

In the run-up to the much-anticipated Ram Temple event on January 22, a political storm has erupted as the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in a heated exchange over the reported absence of four shankaracharyas (religious heads) from the ceremony.

Congress Allegations:

The Congress, not one to shy away from political sparring, has launched a scathing attack on the BJP. Congress leader Alka Lamba questioned the BJP’s motives, alleging that the ruling party is rushing to inaugurate the under-construction Ram Temple to gain political mileage ahead of the upcoming general elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Congress officially declared that its prominent leaders, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, would steer clear of the event. The party accused the BJP of turning a sacred occasion into a political spectacle and emphasized that the construction of the temple was still incomplete.

BJP’s Retort:

The BJP responded swiftly, branding the Congress as anti-Hindu. Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge fired back, questioning why the BJP is dismissing the concerns raised by revered religious leaders and shankaracharyas.

The ruling party, in its defense, accused the Congress of playing divisive politics and not respecting the sentiments of millions of Hindus who eagerly await the Ram Temple’s consecration.

Shankaracharyas’ Opposition:

Adding fuel to the fire, four shankaracharyas, including Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, declared their decision not to attend the event. They argue that the consecration ceremony is in violation of the rules of Sanatan Dharma, the eternal religion.

In a video statement, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati expressed concern that the ceremony is being conducted prematurely and against the sacred scriptures. He emphasized that the pran pratishtha (consecration) is taking place while the temple remains incomplete, a move that contradicts Hindu religious norms.

Political Implications:

As the war of words intensifies, it is evident that the Ram Temple event has become a political battleground. The Congress accuses the BJP of exploiting the religious ceremony for electoral gains, while the BJP retaliates by labeling the Congress as anti-Hindu.

With the event just around the corner, the differing perspectives on the timing and protocols of the temple consecration continue to be a contentious issue, highlighting the intersection of religion and politics in India.