Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal revealed on Wednesday that he did not receive a formal invitation to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, but he remains undeterred as he plans to visit the temple with his family after the January 22 event. Kejriwal informed reporters that although he initially received a letter, a team was supposed to extend a formal invitation, which never transpired. Despite this, he expressed nonchalance about the matter, citing the letter's notification that only one person per invitee would be allowed at the event due to security concerns.
In elaborating on his intentions, the Delhi CM shared his desire to visit the temple accompanied by his wife, children, and parents following the ceremony. He emphasized his parents' eagerness for the family to make the pilgrimage.
Kejriwal also announced the Delhi government's commitment to facilitating additional train services from the national capital to Ayodhya to accommodate the anticipated surge of visitors planning to attend the Ram Mandir after the consecration ceremony on January 22.
Responding to questions about the timing of the Ram Mandir inauguration preceding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal underscored the sacred and emotional nature of the temple, stating that sentiments and devotion should prevail over political considerations.
Earlier, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed support for the four Shankaracharyas who decided not to attend the consecration ceremony, citing concerns that the rituals contradicted the scriptures. One of the spiritual leaders opposed the installation of Lord Ram's idol in the temple while it was still under construction.
While acknowledging the completion of the first floor and sanctum sanctorum of the Ram temple, Kejriwal noted that the entire temple would take an additional two years to be fully ready.
In a strategic move, the AAP recently announced its plan to organize "Sundar Kand" recital programs across Delhi on Tuesdays, seemingly in response to the BJP's focus on the consecration ceremony. Kejriwal himself participated in one such recital in the Rohini area on a Tuesday, accompanied by his wife.
