Congress leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Sonia Gandhi, have received invitations to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. However, sources suggest that they may not be present at the event, as reported by news agency PTI. Invitations have also been extended to other prominent figures, including former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda. The process of sending out invites is ongoing, with more opposition leaders expected to receive them in the coming days.
The invitations to Sonia Gandhi and Kharge were reportedly extended by a delegation associated with the Ram Temple construction, led by Nripendra Mishra. Former president Pratibha Patil and heads of various political parties have also been invited. Notably, while the heads of all national political parties are included on the guest list, chief ministers and governors are not, despite many of them being party leaders.
In addition to political figures, heads of major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi, along with representatives from religious and constitutional institutions, have been invited. The guest list also features spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and Mata Amritanandamayi, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, renowned actors Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Arun Govil, and notable industrialists including Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani. Famous painter Vasudev Kamat and ISRO Director Nilesh Desai are also among the invitees.
Vishva Hindu Parishad has extended a special invitation to LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures in the Ram Mandir movement in the '90s. Both expressed their intention to make every effort to attend the ceremony if their health permits. LK Advani, aged 96, and MM Joshi, who will turn 90 in January, are expected to be present.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. Following the consecration ceremony, Mandal Puja will take place for 48 days starting from January 24, and public darshan of Ram Lalla will be open from January 23.
