Ram Mandir Consecration: Sonia Gandhi Likely To Attend Ayodhya Event On January 22

With just weeks left for the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya, NDTV reports suggested that Sonia Gandhi is likely to attend the event on January 22.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi were invited to attend the event, news agency PTI quoted sources.

The Congress explained its decision as a necessary balancing act ahead of the election. Their non-attendance at the Ram Temple event was seen as an effort to prevent the BJP from using it as ammunition against Mrs. Gandhi's party and its allies in the upcoming polls.

Invitations extended to non-BJP leaders have sparked expected controversy, leaving opposition parties weighing the consequences of their choices. Attending might expose them to potential backlash from minority communities, including Muslims, just before a series of crucial elections. On the other hand, abstaining could provide the ruling BJP with grounds for criticism.

The CPIM and CPI have taken their stance; Brinda Karat stated earlier that her party would refrain from what she criticized as "weaponizing religion for politics." "No, we will not participate. While we respect religious beliefs, intertwining a religious event with politics is inappropriate," she emphasized.

The BJP, for whom the temple construction is a significant campaign issue, both historically and in the lead-up to the 2024 general and state elections, retaliated against Karat's remarks. Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi retorted, stating, "...invitations were extended to all, but only those called by Lord Ram will attend."