In a noteworthy development surrounding the upcoming consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, it has been revealed that Sonia Gandhi, Chief of the Congress Parliamentary Party, is the only member from the Congress’s first family to receive an invitation. The criteria set by the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust seem to exclude Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Sources state that Nripendra Mishra, chairperson of the temple construction committee, extended the invitation to Sonia Gandhi due to her leadership role in the Congress Parliamentary Party. The invitations are being sent to three categories of political guests, including presidents of mainstream parties, leaders of opposition in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and individuals who actively participated in the Ram temple movement between 1984 and 1992.
Special guests for the event include seers, industrialists, artists, and sportspeople. Invitations have also been extended to SP president Akhilesh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati, BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani, and Murli Manohar Joshi.
Amid controversy over opposition leaders boycotting the ceremony, VHP National Secretary General Milind Parande assured that the event would be free from political overtones, welcoming even those who once opposed the existence of Lord Ram.