The formal invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, has sparked a political debate. Opposition leaders have raised questions about the event's timing and nature, leading to a spirited response from Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In response to the political commentary surrounding the invitation, Acharya Satyendra Das emphasized that people express their views in line with their mindsets. He also addressed concerns raised by various political figures, including Sanjay Raut and Salman Khurshid, asserting that the consecration ceremony is a matter of faith, devotion, and belief.
Das asserted, "People talk as per their mindset. Sanjay Raut can see only elections. The pran pratishtha is a matter of faith, of belief, of devotion, and the PM has been invited for it. Earlier too, he had performed the groundbreaking ceremony and bhumi pujan. Now that the temple is almost built and its pran pratishtha will be held on 22nd January (2024), the PM has been invited and he has accepted the invitation. This is not about sacrifices, this is about devotion and belief ."
He also emphasized that Prime Minister Modi enjoys the blessings of Lord Ram, and his presence is a matter of devotion, while those who deny the existence of Lord Ram are merely "roaming on the streets."
"As far as politics and elections are concerned, they will come and go but all political parties should understand that the PM has blessings of Lord Ram. That is why he is in power and will continue to do so. Those who oppose Lord Ram are roaming on the streets and will continue to do so," Das added.
The political debate around the invitation to the Prime Minister has not been limited to faith and devotion. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut humorously commented that there was no need to invite PM Modi to Ayodhya as he would attend the event on his own. Raut stated, "There is no need to invite the Prime Minister. He would go by himself. He is the PM; he would definitely go. Why would anyone leave such a big event?"
On the other hand, Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned whether the invitation was sent to only one party and raised concerns about the event turning into a partisan affair. Khurshid emphasized that God belongs to everyone, and the invitation should have been extended to all political parties.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust formally invited Prime Minister Modi to place the idol of Lord Ram in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Lala temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. The Prime Minister graciously accepted the invitation, acknowledging the historic significance of the event.
The controversy and political discussions surrounding the Ram Lalla temple consecration ceremony reflect the complex interplay of faith, politics, and public sentiment in India. The event is expected to draw widespread attention as the date approaches.
