In a notable development, the Congress party has extended its appreciation to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for extending invitations to its prominent leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, former chief Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, for the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22.
While acknowledging the invitations, sources close to the party, as reported by PTI, hint that senior Congress leaders might opt not to attend the ceremony. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, in a press conference, confirmed the receipt of the invitations, expressing gratitude and adding, “They have invited us, we are very much thankful to them for inviting us, let us (see).”
Pressed about the party leaders’ potential participation, Venugopal cryptically responded, “You will know about the party’s stand. You will know on January 22 about the participation.”
Reports indicate that the invitations were individually sent to Kharge, Gandhi, and Chowdhury, with a delegation associated with the Ram Temple construction, including Nripendra Mishra, extending the invitations to Gandhi and Kharge.
The consecration ceremony is expected to be a significant event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple. Following the ceremony, Mandal Puja is set to take place for 48 days starting from January 24, and the public will have the opportunity for darshan of Ram Lalla from January 23.
Noteworthy is the list of other notable invitees, including former President Pratibha Patil, ex-Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, and heads of various political parties. Interestingly, chief ministers and governors are notably absent from the invitee list.
The grand event also extends invitations to heads of major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi, along with representatives from religious and constitutional institutions. Spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and Mata Amritanandamayi, as well as prominent figures from various fields, including actors Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, and industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, are also expected to be in attendance.
As the anticipation builds, the Congress party keeps its stance on participation under wraps, leaving the public to await the unveiling of their decision on January 22.
