Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut has taken a dig at the BJP, suggesting that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the government will operate from Ayodhya, in the midst of preparations for the consecration of Ram Lala's idol on January 22 in the newly constructed Ram temple. Raut, addressing a press conference in Pune, criticized the BJP, accusing them of politicizing the Ram Mandir ceremony for electoral gains in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Asserting that the Shiv Sena has made sacrifices for the Ram Mandir, Raut emphasized the need for the event to be a national celebration rather than exclusively associated with any political party.Raut clarified that Shiv Sena, as Ram devotees, has contributed significantly to the Ram temple's realization but condemns the politicization of the ceremony. He expressed concern over the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritizing Gujarat's development before the country, emphasizing the need for a broader national focus.
Raut remarked that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have become helpless in the current scenario. As the date of the consecration ceremony approaches, the statement adds a political dimension to the grand event, questioning the BJP's approach to the Ram Temple and its potential electoral implications.