The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya symbolizes unwavering faith, a faith that has been upheld by believers for centuries, even during the absence of the temple. However, it is also intertwined with politics.
From the political dominance that led to the destruction of the temple to the movement for reclaiming the Ram Janmbhoomi land, the temple holds significant political implications.
As the date for the temple consecration ceremony approaches, political leaders have received invitations, causing a stir among the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. They find themselves in a challenging political predicament.
So, what is the dilemma? Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s words shed light on the political context, stating, “…If you go, that means you are playing into the hands of the BJP. If you don’t go, that means you are anti-Hindu, this is nonsense,” Tharoor expressed on Thursday.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for overseeing the temple’s construction, is sending out invitation letters to approximately 6,000 individuals for the ‘Pran Pratistha’ (consecration ceremony) scheduled to take place in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
The INDIA bloc, an Opposition coalition with diverse ideologies, is struggling to present a unified stance. Regardless of their decision, it is likely that they will inadvertently provide an advantage to the BJP, which spearheaded the Ram temple movement.
HOW INDIA BLOC IS DIVIDED OVER RAM TEMPLE INVITE
The invitation to attend the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony at Ayodhya has divided the INDIA bloc in India. Sitaram Yechury, the CPM general secretary, was the first politician to decline the invitation, citing the politicization of religious belief as his reason. Yechury expressed his concern over the involvement of the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, and others in a state-sponsored event, stating that it goes against the principles of the Constitution. Sources suggest that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is likely to follow the CPM’s decision, with Mamata Banerjee, the TMC chief, expected to skip the event. Despite being ideological and political rivals in West Bengal, both the CPM and TMC are part of the INDIA bloc. The TMC’s hesitation to attend the ceremony stems from the fear that the BJP might exploit the temple construction for political gain in the upcoming 2024 general election.
“Acknowledging BJP’s Advantage on the Temple Issue”
The Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed their discontent with the BJP’s involvement in the temple issue during a statement on Thursday. As part of the INDIA bloc, the Sena faction announced that they would not be present at the event scheduled for January 22.
According to Sanjay Raut, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), this event is merely a political move by the BJP and not a national occasion. He stated, “We have no interest in attending an event organized by the BJP. This is solely their program and rally… Once the BJP’s program concludes, we will visit Ayodhya.”
In light of this, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena made it clear that none of their leaders or workers would be attending the event on January 22.
Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur, a BJP leader and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, urged the invitees of the Ram temple inauguration to participate in the ceremony. He emphasized the significance of this event, stating that it marks the realization of a dream cherished by generations of Indians for over 450 years.
The Union minister further emphasized the increasing number of individuals visiting Ayodhya and stressed the importance of providing pilgrims with accurate information prior to their journey. This would ensure that they are not inconvenienced by the overwhelming rush.
Should Congress Attend the Ram Mandir Event or Not?
The Congress, as the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, appears to be facing a significant dilemma. Despite receiving invitations from the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the party has yet to announce whether its leaders will attend the consecration ceremony. This hesitation may stem from the party’s concern about potential electoral damage. However, the Congress cannot afford to remain indecisive for too long.
The IUML, the Congress’s ally in Kerala, has criticized the party for its ambivalence. The IUML suggests that the Congress is caught in a dilemma because it fears losing votes in the North if it does not attend the Ram Mandir event. The party has previously adopted a soft Hindutva stance to counter the BJP, and not attending the event could have electoral consequences, particularly in the northern states. On the other hand, attending the event may inadvertently benefit the BJP. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor eloquently explained this predicament, emphasizing that attending or not attending the event should not be seen as a reflection of one’s stance on Hinduism or as playing into the BJP’s hands.
Unfortunately, the choice facing the Congress is not as straightforward as it may seem. The Ram Mandir holds significant political significance, and any decision made by the party and its leaders could be interpreted through a political lens and have electoral repercussions.
