As India nears the momentous inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, the event has become embroiled in political crossfire, sparking debate and controversy. Amidst accusations of BJP exploiting the occasion for electoral gain, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam offered a different perspective on Sunday, urging those who choose to skip the ceremony to reconsider.Opposition accuses BJP of Political PlaySeveral opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and CPI(M), have criticized the BJP for allegedly politicizing the Ram Mandir inauguration. Leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Uddhav Thackeray have openly stated their decision not to attend the ceremony.Karnataka minister Dasharathaiah Sudhakar fueled the fire by comparing the current situation to the BJPs alleged exploitation of the Pulwama attack before the 2019 elections. The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we wont be fooled for the third time, he stated.Karnataka CM offers support while warning against overhypeAmid the political tug-of-war, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either. We are in favour of Ram Mandir... he clarified.Furthermore, he added, PMO and government should shift base to Ayodhya. They will ask for votes only in Rams name because they have done nothing else, stated Sanjay Raut, leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction).Congress leader appeals for unity over divisionIn response to the rising tension, Acharya Pramod Krishnam, a Congress leader, took a more conciliatory approach. While acknowledging the right to oppose Prime Minister Modi and his policies, he cautioned against letting animosity overshadow the spiritual significance of the event.This should not happen in a democracy. You can oppose PM Modi, and criticise his decisions, but hating PM Modi is not a sign of democracy. Some people are ruining themselves by hating PM Modi. Some opposition leaders brought down their own elected government. This is complete destruction, he remarked.Krishnam further pleaded for unity, emphasizing that negativity has no place in Indian culture, especially during occasions of celebration. Those who oppose Ram should have no place in politics. The people of India wont like this negativity this is not our culture. Our culture is to be happy when there is a festival in our enemys house as well. And this is everyones festival, Indias festival, he asserted.
