As envisioned by the Sangh for other political parties to follow suit, the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appear to have aligned with Sangh’s vision by agreeing on a resolution passed in the Gujarat State Assembly, congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya
The Congress even went on to claim credit for events, citing Rajiv Gandhi’s decision to open the lock of the demolished Babri Masjid for laying the stone for the construction of the Ram Temple, which some view as implicitly acknowledging the demolition of the Babri Masjid as the right decision."
Furthermore, in 1993, following the demolition of the Babri Masjid, the then-Prime Minister Narasimha Rao acquired the uncontested land and earmarked it for the construction of the temple.
Modhwadia stressed that Rao also submitted a presidential reference to the Supreme Court, seeking authorization to construct the temple on the disputed land. He contended that if the court had rendered its verdict at that time, the temple would have been erected and the consecration ceremony would have taken place much sooner.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel spearheaded the motion during the ongoing Budget Session of the House, expressing gratitude to Modi for executing what he described as a "historic cultural duty."
Patel highlighted the significance of this momentous occasion, attributing the temple's construction to the vision of Prime Minister Modi and the unwavering devotion of the Hindu community, which waited for more than 500 years for this moment.
While endorsing the resolution, senior Congress MLA Arjun Modhwadia took the opportunity to provide a historical context, tracing the origins of the temple's construction back to 1822. Modhwadia acknowledged the pivotal roles played by leaders across different eras, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi.
He underscored Rajiv Gandhi's decision in 1989 to allow the foundation stone-laying ceremony at the temple site, despite being from a different political spectrum.
Meanwhile, AAP's Umesh Makwana suggested expanding the temple complex to include a hospital and a college, emphasizing the need for holistic development in the vicinity.
The Congress, however, had previously declined an invitation to the temple's consecration, citing its perceived association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party's stance, emphasizing their adherence to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and respect for the sentiments of millions who revere the Hindu deity.
The Ram temple, constructed on the site of the razed Babri mosque, stands as a symbol of faith and belief for many, even as it continues to stir political debates and reflections on India's socio-cultural landscape.