Ram Mandir Opening: In a significant decision, Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat announced on Tuesday that her party would abstain from attending the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. The move comes despite CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury being among the Opposition leaders invited to the event.A Principled Stand Against Religious PoliticisationDefending the partys decision, Brinda Karat stated that the CPI(M) does not endorse the amalgamation of religion and politics, vehemently opposing the politicisation of a religious occasion. Our party will not attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We respect the religious sentiments of the people, but they (BJP) are combining religion with politics. This is an attempt to politicise a religious programme. This is not right, remarked Karat, a member of the CPI(M)s Politburo.The Dangers of Mixing Politics and ReligionExpressing concern over the intertwining of politics and religion, Karat asserted, Using religion as a political weapon or for advancing a political agenda is not right. It is not right what these people are doing its purely political. She emphasized the importance of keeping politics and religion separate to prevent the advancement of any specific political agenda.No Boycott, but a Principle-Based DecisionClarifying the partys stance, Karat stated, There is no question of a boycott. We have an understanding that using a religious function as a political weapon isnt right. This distinction highlights the principled stand the CPI(M) is taking against the perceived politicisation of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony.Opposition Leaders InvitedYechury, along with other prominent Opposition leaders, has received a formal invitation to attend the ceremony from the chairman of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra. Leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have also been invited, although the Congress party has not confirmed their attendance.Upcoming Consecration Ceremony DetailsThe grand ceremony on January 22 is expected to witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. With rituals starting in early January, the trust aims to enthrone the idol of Lord Ram at the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12.45 pm on January 22. The consecration ceremony will be performed by Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit.Strengthening Cultural TiesThe construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the cultural ties between Ayodhya and Janakpur. The decision to forge a stronger bond between the two cities reflects the broader significance of the temples construction.
