BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has raised eyebrows over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the upcoming inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
Swamy, known for his candid remarks, questioned the legitimacy of Modi's involvement in the religious event, citing the Prime Minister's personal history.
Taking to social media platform X, Swamy expressed his reservations, stating, "How can we Ram bhakts allow Modi to join the performing of the Pran Prathishta Puja of the Ram Lala murti in Ayodhya, when Ram spent almost one and half decades, and waged a war, to rescue his wife Sita? Modi is instead known for abandoning his wife, and yet he will do the puja?"
Swamy's criticism extended to Modi's marital history, emphasizing the contrast between the Prime Minister's actions and the revered character of Lord Ram.
Narendra Modi's marriage to Jashodaben revealed in 2014, has been a topic of controversy. Swamy brought attention to Modi's abandonment of his wife, echoing sentiments expressed by Modi's elder brother Sombhai Modi, who claimed that the marriage was forced and Modi left it to serve the nation.
This critique by Swamy, now through his X handle, is not an isolated comment, as he has been known for taking jibes at Modi and his government on various occasions. In response to the invitation of popular actors like Yash, Prabhas, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Sunny Deol for the temple inauguration, Swamy suggested they undergo a ritual to cleanse their sins, insinuating their involvement in daily wrongdoings.
The controversy surrounding the temple inauguration has further escalated, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) rejecting the proposition to attend the event.
The CPI(M) labelled it a "state-sponsored event," violating the principle of governance in India that dictates the state should have no religious affiliation. The party criticized the BJP and RSS for transforming a religious ceremony into a political affair, involving key government figures.
As the grand temple ceremony approaches, with the expected attendance of 4,000 saints and hundreds of officials, the political and religious dynamics surrounding the event continue to intensify.