New Delhi: Taking a dig at the Opposition leaders for declining the invitation to the consecration event at Ayodhya Ram Temple on January 22, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said it was “unfortunate” and added that refusing to attend the ‘Pran Prathistha’ ceremony was akin to insulting the Indian culture, news agency ANI reported.
Terming the decision as being similar to “challenging the pride and existence of India, the Congress leader, while speaking to the news agency said, “This is unfortunate. Not even a Christian or a priest or Muslim can decline the invitation of Lord Ram. Ram is the soul of India. Without Ram, India can't even be imagined. Declining the invitation means insulting the civilisation and culture of India. It means challenging the pride and existence of India...I would like to urge all Opposition parties, fight the BJP but not Ram. Fight BJP but not Sanatana. Fight BJP but not India.”
Krishnam acknowledged the sacrifices of the VHP and Bajrang Dal members for having taken the Ram Janmabhoomi movement to its logical conclusion and also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership under which the Supreme Court came out with the landmark judgment, settling the protracted legal battle and giving its verdict in favour of the Hindu side.
He also praised PM Modi for his 11-day Anushthan during which he embraced rigorous religious practices.
“From Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru till today, the country has seen many PMs. But none made such a big effort to fulfil a long-held demand or wish. I commend the Prime Minister for his work,” Krishnam told ANI.
He also said he considered himself “lucky” and “privileged” to have received an invitation to attend the consecration ceremony.