Congress declines ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ invite, BJP slams

Congress has declined the invitation to the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple, scheduled for January 22, labeling it as an event associated with the BJP and RSS. The decision led to criticism from BJP leaders, who described it as “unfortunate, painful, and shameful.” Congress asserted that the Ayodhya Ram Temple was a “political project” of the BJP and RSS, prompting the party to skip the inauguration ceremony.

Reacting to Congress’s decision, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed disappointment, stating, “It is very unfortunate, painful and shameful… They had always opposed Ram Janmabhoomi.” He emphasized that the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony of Lord Ram is a matter of joy for the entire nation.

Another BJP MP, Sudhanshu Trivedi, criticized Congress for boycotting various events, stating, “Congress only boycotts everything, whether it is the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Temple or the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya remarked that Congress’s refusal of the invitation demonstrates their opposition to Lord Ram. He clarified that the invitation was extended by the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and not the government or the BJP.

Champat Rai, the secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, acknowledged that while invitations were sent to many, not everyone invited is attending the event, and he noted that there are various reasons for this.

Former litigant in the Ayodhya land dispute case, Iqbal Ansari, expressed his intention to attend the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony, emphasizing that it is a personal matter for individuals.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Congress, stating that the party lacks the “moral strength” to go to Ayodhya and accused them of being “seasonal Hindus.”

Union Minister Smriti Irani accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc of having an anti-Sanatana mindset, highlighting their historical stance on Lord Ram.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah clarified that Congress is not against Lord Ram but is opposing the politicization of the temple construction by the BJP.

Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, declined the invitation, citing the political nature of the event and asserting that it was an “RSS/BJP event.”

Preparations are underway for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony on January 22, which will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend the event. The ceremony is scheduled over seven days, beginning on January 16.