Sonia Gandhi, president of India's Congress party, has received an invitation to the highly anticipated Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22nd. But whether she will attend remains shrouded in ambiguity as the party maintains a diplomatic "decision will be taken at an appropriate time.
This uncertainty surrounding Gandhi's attendance casts a spotlight on the political implications of the event. With elections looming in 2024, the Ayodhya issue carries both religious and political weight. The temple's construction, a focal point of controversy for decades, finally reached completion after a Supreme Court ruling in 2019.
The upcoming ceremony, spanning seven days and culminating in the idol consecration, is expected to be a grand affair with national attention. Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Adityanath, and thousands of others are anticipated guests. Stringent security measures, including restricted entry permits and extensive CCTV coverage, are being implemented to ensure a smooth and secure event.
While state units of Congress have confirmed their participation, the party leadership appears to be carefully navigating the sensitive terrain. Attending the ceremony could be seen as an endorsement of the BJP and their Hindutva ideology, while declining the invitation might alienate Hindu voters and portray the party as out of touch with a significant section of the electorate.
Gandhi's eventual decision is likely to be scrutinized by both supporters and critics, offering a glimpse into the party's strategy for the upcoming elections. Whether she chooses to attend or not, the issue will undoubtedly remain a hot topic of political discourse in the lead-up to 2024.
