BJP leaders criticize the Congress party's decision to skip the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple, with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma accusing them of preferring Babur over Lord Ram, leading to a growing debate on religious symbolism and political choices.
BJP leaders continue to criticize the Congress party for its decision to skip the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his disapproval, stating, "They love Babur, not Lord Ram. So the decision to invite them was wrong, and only those who have faith in Lord Ram should have been invited. Among Lord Ram and Babur, the Gandhi family will offer obeisance to Babur first."
Sarma further highlighted that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad presented a significant opportunity for the Congress to alleviate its past actions, but the party missed the chance. He questioned, "How can someone help Congress in this case?" Sarma accused the Congress of attempting to create an "ecosystem" opposing the construction of the Ram temple during its tenure.
Ashok Singhal, Assam's Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation Minister, criticized the Congress for boycotting the Ram temple inauguration, asserting that the party opposes everything the country should be proud of. Singhal emphasized that Lord Ram belongs to everyone, and those opposing the temple do not understand Indian culture and spirituality.
CP Joshi, another BJP leader, questioned why the Congress has a "problem" with Lord Ram, suggesting that the party sees "appeasement" in its refusal to participate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
Adding to the criticism, BJP leader Tejasvi Surya remarked on the Congress leaders declining the invitation, linking it to the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa by devotees. He stated, "I asked one of our workers in Bihar, why, in his view, were leaders of the 'Ghamandia' turning down invitations for the January 22 function. The worker said devotees chant the verse 'Bhoot pishach nikat nahin aave, Mahavir jab nam sunaave' (evil spirits scamper away upon hearing the name of Hanuman, also known by the sobriquet Mahavir).