Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress, Issues Statement
January 10, 2024: In a significant decision, the top leadership of the Indian National Congress, including Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has declined the invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22nd, 2024.
Religion as a Personal Matter Amidst Political Undertones
Jairam Ramesh, in his statement, emphasizes the personal nature of religion and Lord Ram's widespread worship in the country. However, he highlights the RSS/BJP's consistent politicization of the Ayodhya temple, turning it into a political project rather than a purely spiritual one. The decision to hasten the temple's inauguration, seen as a political move, has led the Congress leaders to respectfully decline the invitation.
Honoring Supreme Court's Judgment While Upholding Secular Values
The statement underscores the Congress leaders' commitment to adhering to the Supreme Court's 2019 judgment on the Ayodhya matter. While acknowledging the sentiments of millions who hold Lord Ram in high regard, the leadership sees the Ayodhya event as aligned with the political agenda of the RSS/BJP, prompting their decision to abstain from participation.
A Stance for Secularism Amidst Electoral Timing
The Congress leadership's decision to forgo the Ayodhya event reflects a stand for secular values. Jairam Ramesh suggests that the event's rescheduling seems strategically timed for electoral gains. The nuanced decision aims to strike a balance between respecting religious sentiments and preventing political exploitation of a sacred occasion.
As the political landscape evolves in the lead-up to the inauguration, the Congress leadership's decision is poised to prompt discussions on the intersection of religion and politics, fostering dialogue on the nation's secular fabric.
