Holalkere Anjaneya, a prominent Congress leader in Karnataka, raised questions about the significance of visiting Ayodhya's Ram Mandir to worship what he called "BJP's Ram." He juxtaposed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Lord Ram, asserting that Siddaramaiah embodies Ram's qualities. Anjaneya made these remarks during a conversation with reporters in Chitradurga, addressing why Siddaramaiah was not invited to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir scheduled for January 22.
In Kannada, Anjaneya remarked, "Siddaramaiah himself is Ram. Then why go and worship that Ram in the (Ayodhya) temple? That is BJP's Ram. BJP does this for publicity. Let them do." He emphasized the internalized nature of their devotion, stating, "Our Ram is inside our heart. My name is Anjaneya, you know what he did?" This reference to Anjaneya, another name for Lord Hanuman, alluded to the devout companion of Lord Ram in the epic Ramayan.
Responding to Anjaneya's comments, BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal criticized the Congress leader, labeling him as an "idiot" and accusing him of being anti-Hindu. Yatnal disapproved of past ministers whom he characterized as "idiots" and "nepotists," claiming that their actions were unfortunate for the state. He suggested that Siddaramaiah's worship should take place in his home rather than being discussed in the context of Lord Ram, an idol revered by Hindus.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on December 30, stated that he had not received an invitation for the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He mentioned that if an invitation were to arrive, he would consider attending the event. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Congress leader and former party chief Sonia Gandhi is set to attend the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22.
