The Congress leadership’s decision to distance itself from the impending consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla deity at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple on January 22nd has added a new dimension to the ongoing discourse around the event. Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, current President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have opted to decline the invitation, strategically avoiding their involvement in what they perceive as an event orchestrated primarily by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In an official statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified the party’s stance, revealing that last month, invitations were extended to the Congress President, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and the Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha for their presence at the Ram Temple event. Ramesh emphasized the significant reverence Lord Ram holds in the country, underscoring the deeply personal nature of religion. However, he expressed reservations about the long-standing politicization of the incomplete temple site in Ayodhya by the RSS and BJP for their electoral gains. He stressed the importance of respecting the sentiments of millions of devotees of Lord Ram and cited this as the reason for Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury respectfully declining the invitation, characterizing the event as being firmly aligned with the agenda of the RSS/BJP.
Notably, last month, the Congress had hinted at the potential participation of its top leaders at the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony while reserving their final decision for an appropriate time. However, in a significant turn of events, the Congress has unequivocally rejected the invitation, indicating a clear intent to steer clear of the politically charged environment that surrounds this event. The initial speculation surrounding the possible attendance of Congress leaders has now been put to rest. Digvijay Singh, a senior Congress leader, had earlier expressed positive sentiments about Sonia Gandhi’s approach to the invitation, suggesting that either she or a delegation from the Congress might consider attending.
The scheduled event on January 22nd marks the consecration of the Ram Lalla deity at the Ram Temple and is poised to witness the presence of several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Over six thousand attendees from various parts of India and the world have been invited, encompassing individuals associated with politics, Bollywood, sports, business, and those who have been involved in the Ram Temple movement. Invitations for this momentous occasion have been extended by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
The Ayodhya issue has been a contentious matter for decades, particularly revolving around the Babri Masjid and Ram Temple dispute. The issue culminated in a historic verdict by the Supreme Court in 2019. Since then, the commencement of the construction of the Ram Temple has been underway and continues to progress. Leading up to the consecration ceremony on January 22nd, a series of events related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is slated to commence from January 16th.
The Congress’s decision to distance itself from this significant event has added a fresh perspective to the discussions surrounding the Ram Temple and its consecration ceremony. The stance taken by Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury reflects a strategic move to avoid being embroiled in what they perceive as a politically motivated event orchestrated by the RSS and BJP, underscoring their commitment to steer clear of such associations.