'Only Those Called By Lord Ram...': BJP's Dig After CPI(M) Decides To Skip Temple Event

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said that the party will not participate in the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday said it will not attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ or the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya scheduled for next month saying that it has been converted into a state-sponsored event with Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in attendance. 

"I've not told anybody anything so far. Nripendra Mishra was escorted by a VHP leader who came and gave me the invitation...Religion is a personal choice of every individual. We respect and safeguard the right of every individual to choose their particular form of faith," said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday. 

"As far as the Indian Constitution and the Supreme Court are concerned they have very clearly said that the state shall not profess any particular religion or have any religious affiliation. What is happening in this inauguration ceremony is that it has been converted into a state-sponsored event with the Prime Minister, UP CM and others holding Constitutional positions," he said. 

"This is straightforward politicisation of the religious belief of the people which is not in consonance with the Constitution. Therefore, in these circumstances, I regret not being able to attend the event," Yechury said. 

Earlier in the day, another party leader, Brinda Karat also said that the party will not attend the ceremony. 

"Our party will not attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya," Karat said, adding "We respect the religious beliefs but they are connecting a religious programme with politics...This is the politicisation of a religious programme. This is not right."

Reacting to the development, Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi said, ".The invitations have been sent to all. Those called by lord Ram will only reach." 

The CPI(M) made the announcement amid reports of Congress top brass including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and party leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also giving the event a miss. 

According to a PTI report quoting sources, the invitations were sent to the leaders individually by Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. However, the senior Congress leaders are unlikely to attend the consecration ceremony, the report added.