Congress accuses BJP of transforming the Ram temple consecration ceremony into a political affair, citing concerns over the disregard for religious procedures and the refusal of shankaracharyas to attend, escalating tensions ahead of the scheduled event on January 22.
The Congress party criticized the BJP, stating that the Ram temple consecration ceremony has turned into a political event. Pawan Khera, a Congress leader, pointed out that religious procedures are being disregarded, and the advice of shankaracharyas is not being taken into account.
Referring to the refusal of Jyotir Mutt head shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to attend the ceremony, Khera alleged that the installation of Lord Ram's idols is not following religious procedures. All four shankaracharyas have reportedly stated that the consecration cannot happen in an incomplete temple.
Khera emphasized that religion is a personal matter, and while anyone is free to visit Ayodhya for 'darshan,' the declined invitation was for the January 22 event, which is witnessing "massive politicization."
In a press conference, Khera questioned whether the ceremony is being conducted according to religious procedures advised by shankaracharyas. He highlighted the shankaracharya's stance that the consecration is happening in an unfinished temple, contrary to shastra-vidhi.
Khera expressed concern over political interference in matters of faith, stating, "Why will I tolerate workers of a political party becoming middlemen between me and my God?" He also criticized the BJP's IT cell for allegedly running a campaign against the shankaracharyas.
The Congress leaders raised doubts about the selection of the ceremony date, suggesting a connection to upcoming elections. Khera emphasized that this event should not be a political spectacle and urged against playing with people's faith.
According to Khera, the opposition party wants to know how the date was decided and accused the BJP of turning the ceremony into a political event rather than a religious one. Congress social media department head Supriya Shrinate added that the BJP is trying to divide 'Sanatan Dharma' after dividing people on caste, religion, and language.
Shrinate clarified that the Congress respects personal faith and criticized the BJP for manufacturing criticism against the party's leaders who decided not to attend the ceremony. She highlighted that there are no restrictions on visiting Ayodhya, and the decision to decline the January 22 invitation was due to perceived politicization.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had earlier declined the invitation, accusing the BJP and RSS of turning the consecration into a "political project" for electoral gain. The ceremony, set for January 22, is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and thousands of other participants.