In the midst of escalating political discourse around the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Ram Mandir is good news, affirming their support for the temple. This declaration follows Karnataka Minister Dasharathaiah Sudhakar’s comment, accusing the BJP of exploiting the event akin to Pulwama before the 2019 election.
Siddaramaiah clarified the state’s stance, stating, “We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir; we are not against building a temple either. We are in favor of Ram Mandir.”
Expressing regret over the politicization of the event, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam emphasized the importance of maintaining a democratic spirit. He criticized those opposing Prime Minister Modi, asserting that hatred towards the Prime Minister does not align with democratic values.
“This is negative energy. These are negative, atheist people. Those who oppose Ram should have no place in politics. The people of India won’t like this negativity; this is not our culture. Our culture is to be happy when there is a festival in our enemy’s house as well. And this is everyone’s festival, India’s festival,” remarked Acharya Pramod.
The controversy further intensified as Karnataka Minister D Sudhakar labeled the Ram Mandir inauguration as a political stunt, asserting that people would not be fooled for the third time.
Several opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, have been invited to the inauguration, but the official stance of their attendance remains unclear. Criticisms have been directed at the BJP for turning the event into a political spectacle.
