In the escalating controversy surrounding the invitation for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut intensified his criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Raut remarked, “It seems like they have kidnapped Lord Ram,” insinuating that the BJP was withholding the invitation intentionally.
Raut claimed that Shiv Sena was not invited to the ceremony scheduled for January 22. He questioned the need for an invitation, emphasizing Shiv Sena’s historical association with Ayodhya, contrasting it with the BJP. Raut recalled Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray taking responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 when accusations were made against the party.
Expressing disappointment, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar revealed that he had not received an invitation to the event. Pawar accused the BJP of playing politics in the name of Ram Mandir, stating, “The ruling party does not have any concrete program to garner people’s support, so it seems they are trying to create a different opinion among the people by using Ram Mandir as an excuse.”
As tensions rise over the Ayodhya ceremony, political figures continue to exchange statements, raising questions about the event’s inclusivity and the underlying political dynamics.
