PM Modi's exclusive invitation to Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration sparks political controversy

The exclusive invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, has ignited a political controversy in India. Critics have raised concerns about the event potentially transforming into a partisan gathering in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid was among those questioning the decision to extend the invitation to only one political party, emphasizing that the construction of the Ram Temple is a matter of national significance and should be inclusive. Meanwhile, DMK leader TKS Elangovan criticized the BJP for what he perceives as a substitution of history with mythology, asserting that while any country should take pride in its history, it is important not to blur the lines between historical fact and religious narratives.

The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, which oversees the construction of the Ram Temple, sent the invitation to PM Modi to place the idol of Lord Ram in the temple's sanctum sanctorum, an honor that the Prime Minister accepted with humility, describing it as a momentous occasion.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav) leader Sanjay Raut offered a different perspective, suggesting that there was no necessity to invite the Prime Minister. He stated that the Ram Temple's construction was the culmination of a collective effort, involving numerous Hindutva organizations and parties over the years, and that it represented a significant aspect of India's cultural and religious heritage.

While the Ram Temple holds a revered place in Hindu belief, the issue of its construction and the subsequent political events surrounding it have stirred controversy over the years. The invitation to PM Modi has now added a political dimension, with critics demanding greater inclusivity to preserve the temple's sanctity and ensure that the occasion remains a reflection of India's diverse culture and history.

जय सियाराम!

आज का दिन बहुत भावनाओं से भरा हुआ है। अभी श्रीराम जन्मभूमि तीर्थ क्षेत्र ट्रस्ट के पदाधिकारी मुझसे मेरे निवास स्थान पर मिलने आए थे। उन्होंने मुझे श्रीराम मंदिर में प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा के अवसर पर अयोध्या आने के लिए निमंत्रित किया है।

मैं खुद को बहुत धन्य महसूस कर रहा… pic.twitter.com/rc801AraIn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2023