New Delhi: Ahead of Ram temple's consecration ceremony in Ayodha, BJP MLA Ram Kadam on Wednesday urged both the Maharashtra government and Centre to impose a nationwide ban on liquor and meat for a day on January 22.
He said that January 22 is a holy day for crores of Ram Bhakts as the idol consecration of Lord Ram is taking place in Ayodhya after 450 years.
In a video message, he said, "The idol consecration of Lord Ram is taking place in Ayodhya after 450 years. January 22 is a holy day for crores of Ram Bhakts. I request the Maharashtra CM to ban sale of liquor and meat in the entire state on January 22, and also request the Centre to announce ban on liquor and meat across the country for one day on January 22."
Last week, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government declared the entire area surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir a liquor-free zone.
An official order issued by UP Excise Minister Nitin Agrawal stated that the 84-Kosi Parikrama, the area surrounding the Ram Temple premises, will be a ‘no liquor zone’ where the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned and a punishable offence.
He said the liquor shops in the area will either be shifted or removed from the 84-Kosi Parikrama area.
Ram Lalla Consecration To Take Place At 12.20 PM
The consecration of Ram Lalla in the newly built temple in Ayodhya will take place at 12.20 pm on January 22, said Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai.
Interacting with reporters, he said, "Pran pratistha will take place at 12.20 pm. After this, you should perform aarti, distribute prasad in the localities and markets, and light lamps after sunset."
"A similar appeal has been made by the prime minister to the entire world," he said.