Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that he will visit Ayodhya on January 22, the day of the ‘prana pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony of the Ram temple.
Siddaramaiah, who is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC), said that he did not receive an invitation to the ceremony from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is responsible for the construction of the temple. However, he said he would visit Ayodhya on his own accord to pay his respects to Lord Ram.
Siddaramaiah expressed his belief in Lord Ram, stating, “I am a Hindu.” He plans to visit Ayodhya on January 22 to pay his respects to Lord Ram, emphasizing that the decision is independent of any invitation from the trust. “I will be going there on my own,” he added.
Siddaramaiah’s announcement comes amid a political controversy over the Ram temple issue. The INC has criticized the BJP-led government for allegedly politicizing the temple construction. The INC has also accused the BJP of using the temple issue to divide the country on religious lines.
The BJP has denied the INC’s allegations. The party has said that the Ram temple is a matter of faith for millions of Hindus and that the government is committed to building a grand temple in Ayodhya.
The ‘prana pratishtha’ ceremony is significant, with thousands of people expected to attend. The ceremony will involve the installation of the idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Siddaramaiah’s visit to Ayodhya will likely be seen as a political statement by the INC. The INC hopes to capitalize on the religious sentiments of Hindus in the 2024 general elections.
Analysis
Siddaramaiah’s decision to visit Ayodhya despite not receiving an invitation from the trust is a significant political move. It is a sign that the INC is willing to take on the BJP on the Ram temple issue.
The INC’s decision will also likely be popular with Hindu voters in Karnataka. The state has a sizeable Hindu population, and the Ram temple issue is sensitive.
The BJP is likely to be critical of Siddaramaiah’s decision. The party may accuse him of politicizing the temple issue.
The Ram temple issue will likely be a significant factor in the 2024 general elections. The INC’s decision to visit Ayodhya indicates that the party is taking the issue seriously.