In a significant development, it has been indicated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is unlikely to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22, 2024. A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader conveyed to news agency PTI that neither the Chief Minister nor any representative from the West Bengal government or the TMC is expected to be present at the grand event. The TMC emphasized its stance of not mixing politics with religion, affirming their decision not to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
This announcement from the TMC follows the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s decision to decline the invitation, with its leader Sitaram Yechury stating that religion is a personal choice and should not be exploited for political gains.
The ‘INDIA’ opposition bloc appears divided on the matter, with Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav expressing her willingness to attend if invited, while Shiv Sena (UBT) faction leader Sanjay Raut asserted that there was no need for an invitation for party chief Uddhav Thackeray, given their longstanding association with Ayodhya. The Congress, although expressing gratitude for the invitation, has not disclosed its stance on the attendance of its top leaders.
