After CPI(M) turned down the invitation to the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also decided not to attend the event on January 22, sources said. It has also been reported that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party is unlikely to send any representative to the ceremony.
While the official confirmation from the TMC is yet awaited, party sources close to Banerjee explained that the party is wary of being drawn into the ruling BJP's political narrative of leveraging the event as a springboard for its 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.
This development came a day after CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury turned down an invitation to the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple, stating that "religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain".
Senior party leader Brinda Karat said. When asked about the reason behind the decision taken by the party, Karat said “It is not right to politicise religion”.
“Our party will not attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. We respect religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politics. This is the politicization of a religious programme. This is not right,” she said.
The Ram Mandir temple trust is all set to hold the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 21, 22, and 23. It has been told that the newly built temple would be opened for devotees after the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla on January 22.
