Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony: Congress MP Digvijaya Singh on Thursday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and asked that what is the consecration about when the construction is not complete. He further stated that the consecration in Ayodhya is a crooked attempt to benefit by making this an election issue. Singh's remarks came after Congress leaders "declined" the invitation to attend consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya Ram Mandir scheduled for January 22. Singh also took a swipe at Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and asked, "What has VHP got to do with the Ram Temple construction?".
"Forget the invitation. What we are objecting to is that the construction (of Ram Temple) is not complete. When the construction is not complete, what is the 'pranpratishtha' about? This is against the holy scriptures and religion...This is a crooked attempt to benefit by making this an election issue," Singh said.
Digvijaya Singh further stated that BJPfication of the ceremony (pranpratishtha) is being done and full control has been given to the people of VHP. "BJPfication of this (pranpratishtha) is being done. Full control has been given to the people of VHP. We have an objection. What has VHP got to do with the Ram Temple construction?...Do we have a problem in visiting the Ram Temple? We will go there happily. But let it complete first," Digvijaya Singh said.
The Congress leader also said that no established religious leader has accepted the He further stated that as per religious scriptures, no 'pranpratishtha' of any idol can be done at a temple the construction of which is incomplete.
"How many invitees have accepted the invitation? No established religious leader has accepted the invitation. They have raised an objection. As per religious scriptures, no 'pranpratishtha' of any idol can be done at a temple the construction of which is incomplete, it is considered ominous. Not just Congress but all political parties that have received the invitations - Shiv Sena, RJD, JD(U), TMC, CPI, CPI(M) - who is attending it? Shiv Sena, which led the Babri Masjid demolition, has declined too. Lord Ram belongs to everyone. We would be delighted to visit the temple but let the construction finish first. They have turned into this a BJP and VHP event," Digvijaya Singh said.