Kharge Clarifies Amid BJP Criticism, Says ‘Did not intend to hurt sentiments’

Amid internal dissent and perceived public discontent over top leaders’ refusal to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge clarified on Friday that the decision wasn’t meant to offend anyone’s sentiments or any religion.

Key Congress figures, including Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, opted out of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, labeling it a ‘BJP-RSS’ event. Speaking to reporters, Kharge stated, “Our decision was not intended to hurt the sentiments of any person or religion. If anyone wants to visit Ayodhya, they are free to go anytime they want.”

The Congress president criticized the BJP for targeting them over the decision, emphasizing that the focus should be on pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and border security. Kharge challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address these concerns, stating, “These are issues that directly affect the country and its people.”

The Congress’s decision to decline the Ram Temple invitation has sparked criticism from the BJP, with former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressing disappointment. Chouhan asserted that the Ram Mandir is the “national temple” and turning down the invitation denies the country’s civilizational roots and national identity.

In response, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the timing of the ceremony and whether it would be conducted under the guidance of the Shankaracharyas of the four peeths. He raised concerns about the event being political and not purely religious, accusing some politicians of acting as intermediaries.

The BJP has accused the Congress of denying the country’s identity, while the Congress questions the timing of the grand ceremony, hinting at political undertones. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, political rhetoric intensifies, overshadowing the anticipated ‘Pran Pratishtha’ at Ayodhya’s grand Ram Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to preside over the ceremony on January 22, with Vedic rituals commencing on January 16. Local authorities are preparing for the influx of devotees, ensuring security measures and logistical arrangements are in place for the significant event.