Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of utilizing the impending inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a strategic "election gimmick" in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her concerns on Tuesday during a public address in North 24 Parganas.
In her discourse, Banerjee underscored the significance of inclusivity in celebratory events and expressed the view that the festivities associated with one community's observance should not diminish the respect accorded to other religions. She candidly addressed the BJP, stating, "You (BJP) are engaging in it, go ahead. If it's a spectacle orchestrated in the lead-up to elections, proceed. But refrain from diminishing the standing of other religious communities."
The Chief Minister elaborated on the narrow focus of inquiries directed at her regarding the Ram Mandir, highlighting the apparent singular emphasis on this aspect to the exclusion of other matters. She remarked, "They were asking me about Ram Mandir as if there is only one work and nothing else."
Banerjee took a steadfast stance against any potential religious divisions, assuring the public that she would vehemently oppose such stratification. Drawing parallels to her resolute stand during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests, she declared, "I promise, as long as I am alive, I won't allow any division between religions."
In the context of the scheduled consecration ceremony for the Ram Mandir on January 22, which has garnered an extensive guest list of over 7,000 individuals, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sources have indicated that Mamata Banerjee has opted not to attend the inauguration. Furthermore, her political party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is reportedly unlikely to dispatch any representative to the ceremony, marking a notable decision in the unfolding events.
