Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam, responding to opposition leaders declining the invitation to the consecration of Ram Mandir, said that Lord Ram is the “soul of India” and the decision to not attend the event was “unfortunate”.
"This is unfortunate. Not even a Christian or a priest or Muslim can decline the invitation of Lord Ram. Ram is the soul of India. Without Ram, India can't even be imagined,” Acharya Pramod said.
He added, “Declining the invitation means insulting the civilisation and culture of India. It means challenging the pride and existence of India...I would like to urge all Opposition parties, fight the BJP but not Ram. Fight BJP but not Sanatana. Fight BJP but not India."
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and other prominent faces had announced that they will not attend the Ram idol consecration event to be held in Ayodhya on Monday. The party called the ceremony an “RSS/BJP” event rather than a religious one.
"Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," Congress said in a statement.
Several other opposition leaders, like Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Yadav and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, have stated that they will not be attending the ceremony. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said he would visit the ceremony after the opening.
Meanwhile, the BJP has been targeting the opposition leaders over their decision, labelling them as "anti-Ram" organisations.
Published On:
Jan 22, 2024
English (US) ·