Cong gives green signal for Ram temple event, Kharge clarifies: no diktat on workers

The Congress high command has granted permission for its leaders to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22. Sources reveal that the decision was made during a crucial meeting at the party headquarters in Delhi, where state unit leaders sought clarity on the matter.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing concerns from leaders in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emphasized that the invitation extended to him and Sonia Gandhi acknowledged their parliamentary roles as Leader of the Opposition (Rajya Sabha) and Chairperson of the Congress parliamentary board, respectively.

Kharge asserted that the party had no restrictions for its leaders, stating that those willing to offer prayers at the temple were free to attend the ceremony.

In response to the BJP's perceived 'politicization' of the event, Congress leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including Ajay Rai and Akhilesh Prasad Singh, are reportedly planning to visit the Ram Mandir on January 20 and 21, respectively.

This move is seen as an effort to present a counter-narrative, especially as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders are expected to be present at the inauguration.

Invitations from the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra have been extended to senior Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, according to Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Working President Alok Kumar.