Shashi Tharoor Takes on Politics, Religion, and Media Narratives

Shashi Tharoor Not Invited to Ayodhya Event

Introduction:
The upcoming Ram Temple idol installation ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22 has sparked discussions about the religious event and the intersection of politics, religion, and media attention. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s revelation that he wasn’t invited has added a new dimension to the discourse.

Shashi Tharoor’s Perspective:
Shashi Tharoor took to X to express that he hadn’t received an invitation for the Ayodhya event. In a subtle jab at the BJP, he emphasized his belief in viewing religion as a personal attribute, not to be exploited for political gains.

“I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use,” Tharoor stated, subtly questioning the intertwining of religion and politics.

Media’s Role:
Tharoor also criticized the media for amplifying the event, accusing it of playing into the hands of those seeking political benefits. He asserted that major news coverage of the ceremony was distracting the public from pressing governance issues.

“I also pointed out that by making such a major news story of the event, which has been known about for some time already, the media was playing into the hands of those who want to milk political benefit from the Ram Mandir while distracting the public from their governance failures,” Tharoor remarked.

Temple vs. Governance:
In a broader context, Tharoor argued that temples shouldn’t be the government’s business, emphasizing that issues like unemployment, inflation, public welfare, and national security take precedence. He urged the media to refocus on these critical matters rather than allowing the temple event to shift public attention.

Political Responses:
Tharoor’s stance aligns with fellow Congress member Sam Pitroda, who emphasized the separation of religion from politics. Pitroda highlighted the importance of addressing core issues like employment, inflation, and technological challenges, suggesting that these should take precedence over religious events in political discourse.

Conclusion:
As the Ayodhya event approaches, the statements from Tharoor and others shed light on the delicate balance between religion and politics in India. The media’s role in shaping public perception adds another layer to the evolving narrative. The discourse surrounding the Ayodhya ceremony reflects the country’s complex interplay of political, religious, and media dynamics.