The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has declared its decision to abstain from the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Senior party leader Brinda Karat explained that while the CPI(M) respects religious beliefs, it disapproves of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly “politicizing 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 program with politics. This is the politicization of a religious program. This is not right,” Karat stated.
In a similar vein, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the BJP’s handling of the Ram Temple issue, labeling it a “show-off.” Sibal emphasized that the BJP’s actions are contradictory to the teachings of Lord Ram.
“I have Ram in my heart. I don’t need to show off. What I say to you is from my heart because I do not care about all these things. If Ram is in my heart and Ram has guided me throughout my journey, it means that I have done something right,” Sibal expressed.
The consecration ceremony for the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22. As part of the preparations, children dressed as Lord Ram and Goddess Sita went door-to-door in Ayodhya, inviting residents to offer prayers at the temple.
During a two-day office-bearers’ meeting, BJP leaders and workers were instructed to actively participate in programs organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishva Hindu Parishad for the temple’s construction. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed the proper decoration of Ayodhya with colors, lights, and flowers for the event.