The Congress party today stated that the date of January 22 for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been chosen strategically, keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party claimed that the BJP has given a political shape to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (idol installation) ceremony by turning it into a grand political event. Congress alleged that this program is being conducted without consulting the Shankaracharyas and disregarding religious traditions. The main opposition party argued that religious faith is a personal matter and anyone can visit a place of worship at any time. The party also stated that Congress has rejected the invitation for the event on January 22, as it is being turned into a major political event.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that anyone who has faith in Lord Ram can visit the temple at any time. He stated that Congress considers the decision to not participate in the idol installation ceremony as a conspiracy.
