Rahul Gandhi Takes Aim with ‘Political Narendra Modi Function’ Remark at Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Ram Temple Consecration as a “Political Narendra Modi Function”

In a scathing critique on Tuesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of turning the Ram temple consecration ceremony into a “political Narendra Modi function.” Gandhi made these remarks during a briefing in Nagaland’s capital Kohima, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

“The RSS and the BJP have made the 22nd January function a completely political Narendra Modi function. It’s an RSS BJP function, and I think that is why the Congress President said that he would not go to the function. We are open to all religions, all practices,” Gandhi expressed, highlighting the Congress’s decision to abstain from the event.

Gandhi further elaborated on the Congress’s stance, stating, “Even the authorities of the Hindu religion, the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion have made their view public about what they think about the 22nd January function that it is a political function. So it is difficult for us to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and designed around the RSS.”

This criticism follows the Congress’s recent decision to decline the invitation for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi, and Congress floor leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opting not to attend the event.

In an official statement, the Congress asserted, “The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain.” The party’s absence at the event underscores its position on the perceived political undertones surrounding the temple consecration.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals, spanning seven days, commenced on Tuesday. The main consecration ceremony is scheduled for January 22, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event is expected to draw a significant audience, including prominent saints, celebrities, sportspersons, actors, and industrialists.

“The ‘anushthan’ has started and will continue till January 22, the day of the consecration ceremony. Eleven priests are performing the rituals invoking all the ‘devis and devtas’ (goddesses and gods),” informed Ram temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das.

Rahul Gandhi’s assertion aligns with the Congress’s broader criticism of the ruling party’s handling of religious events with potential political implications. The decision to avoid the temple ceremony reflects the party’s commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between political agendas and religious observances.

While the Ram temple holds immense cultural and religious significance, the Congress’s reservations underscore the delicate balance between spirituality and political expediency. As the ceremony approaches, the political discourse surrounding the event is likely to intensify, with both the ruling party and the opposition adhering to their respective positions on the intersection of faith and politics.