Ram Mandir Inauguration: We invited Sonia, Kharge, no politics over invitations, says VHP chief

Ram Mandir Inauguration: The upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 has ignited a flurry of political activity and debate across India. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has extended invitations to all major political party chiefs, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Chowdhury, seeking to portray the event as a unifying celebration for the nation.

#WATCH | On invitation for the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple on January 22nd, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar says, " I had gone to give an invitation to Mallikarjun Kharge, members of the VHP had gone to give an invitation to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury...If… pic.twitter.com/TbzC5URXjd

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2023

VHP denies political motive

Alok Kumar, VHP's international working president denied any political motive behind the invitations. He emphasized the non-partisan nature of the event, stating, "Had there been any politics, would Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge ji been invited?"

The VHP leader said, "I went to invite Kharge ji personally. VHP and Trust officials went to invite Adhir ji and Ram Mandir panel chief Nripendra Mishra went to invite Sonia Gandhi. We want them to come. And if we are inviting the opposition leaders, then what is the problem in inviting PM Modi?"

Congress remains noncommittal

The Congress party has maintained a cautious stance, declining to clarify its official position on attending the ceremony. This indecisiveness has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the INDIA party's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Hemant Soren, who expressed his desire to attend if invited.

Controversy and criticism

The Ram Temple inauguration has also faced criticism from different corners. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) accused the BJP of "hijacking" the event and questioned their decision to exclude Uddhav Thackeray from the invite list. Meanwhile, Sam Pitroda, a senior Congress leader, stirred controversy by expressing discomfort with the Ram Temple becoming a national issue. However, Congress distanced itself from his statement, clarifying that it was his personal opinion.

Kerala simmers with disagreements

In Kerala, the invitation has triggered a political tussle between the Congress and the ruling CPI(M). While the Congress accused the CPI(M) of politicising the Ayodhya issue, the Muslim League and Samastha softened their stance, advocating for a party-independent decision on attending the ceremony.

The leader of the opposition, Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan said, "The CPI(M) is politicising Ayodhya. The Congress, as a party, has not been invited to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. A few individuals have been invited. The party will think about it and take a decision on it."