Sharad Pawar Says He Got 'No Invitation' For Ayodhya Ram Mandir Consecration

NCP president Sharad Pawar has stated that he has not been invited to the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya next month.

File photo of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar

NCP president Sharad Pawar stated on Wednesday that he had not received an invitation to the upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Pawar also expressed doubts about the BJP's motivations for organising the event, questioning whether it serves political or commercial interests.

The inauguration of the Ram temple, scheduled for January 22, is anticipated to witness the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and over 6,000 attendees for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol.

Pawar told news agency PTI that, "Don’t know if it (BJP) is using the issue for political or commercial purposes. We are happy that the temple is coming up for which many have contributed". Further responding to queries about an invitation, Pawar indicated he had not been invited, adding, "My visits to places of worship remain private affairs". 

Leading up to the consecration on January 22, Prime Minister Modi is slated to initiate a roadshow and public address subsequent to inaugurating Ayodhya's airport on December 30.

As the ceremony approaches, speculations arise about the attendees, particularly from the Opposition, given the proximity to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Notably, the Ram Mandir Trust has extended invitations to Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, though their participation remains unconfirmed.

During the pivotal consecration event, PM Modi is expected to position Lord Ram's idol within the sanctum sanctorum alongside priests and Chief Minister Adityanath. Additionally, reports suggest West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will abstain from attending the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration.

After the Ram Temple Trust requested veteran BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi not to attend the Ram Temple's consecration, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) invited Advani and Joshi to Ayodhya next month.

In addition to political leaders, many Hindi film actors have been invited. According to reports, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Anupam Kher, and Madhuri Dixit-Nene are among the celebrities.

Sports legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, as well as industrialists Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani, are expected to attend. According to several media reports, the organisers intend to welcome representatives from 50 different countries.