CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has opted not to attend the inauguration event of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, citing concerns about the politicization of religious beliefs. This decision has sparked a controversy, as confirmed by the CPI(M) on Tuesday, with Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi implying that only those "called by Lord Ram" would participate in the event.
Addressing the matter, Yechury explained that he received the invitation from Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra, highlighting the personal nature of religious choices and the importance of upholding the right of individuals to select their faith. He emphasized the constitutional stance, which separates the state from endorsing any specific religion, expressing discomfort with the conversion of the inauguration ceremony into a state-sponsored event involving constitutional figures like the Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
Yechury emphasized that the current scenario constitutes a blatant politicization of religious beliefs, a deviation from constitutional principles. Consequently, he expressed regret for being unable to attend the event due to these circumstances.
Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat echoed similar sentiments, asserting the party's respect for religious beliefs while criticizing the intertwining of a religious program with political considerations. She deemed it inappropriate to politicize a religious ceremony, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity of such events.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized the CPI(M)'s decision, employing a play on words by suggesting that those named Sitaram would not go to Ayodhya. He accused the CPI(M) of insulting Hinduism and its values, alleging a deep-seated animosity towards Ram.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also weighed in, dismissing the Ram Temple inauguration as a "show-off" and emphasizing that his connection with Ram is a personal matter of the heart, suggesting that he doesn't need external displays.
In a distinct development, children dressed as characters from the Ramayana undertook a door-to-door campaign in Ayodhya on Tuesday to extend invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22.
