The highly anticipated inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22 has generated considerable attention and discussions regarding the guest list and notable absentees.
The criteria set by the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust for invitations have resulted in Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi not receiving invitations, leading to discussions about the rationale behind this decision.
The exclusion of these political figures, among others, has sparked both controversy and deliberation within political circles and society at large.
Guest List Criteria And Exclusions
The Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust has established specific criteria for extending invitations to the inauguration ceremony.
Invitations have been allocated to individuals falling under three distinct categories:
- presidents of mainstream political parties,
- leaders of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and
- participants in the Ram temple movement from 1984 to 1992.
Additionally, special guests from diverse fields such as seers, industrialists, artists, and sportspeople have also been included.
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However, notably absent from the guest list are Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. The trust’s criteria seem to exclude them from receiving invitations, purportedly based on the established guidelines.
The sole invitee from the Congress’s first family is Sonia Gandhi, who received an invitation in her capacity as the chief of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Responses And Political Dynamics
The exclusion of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi from the guest list has triggered varied responses within the political spectrum.
While Sonia Gandhi received an invitation, the decision regarding her attendance, along with that of Mallikarjun Kharge, is pending an official announcement by the Congress. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh acknowledged the invitations extended to Gandhi and Kharge.
Simultaneously, voices from opposition parties have emerged, highlighting concerns about the politicization of the religious event by the BJP and RSS.
Prominent figures like CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury have publicly declared their decision to abstain from the ceremony, citing the need to uphold religious beliefs without leveraging them for political gain.
Invitations, Notable Attendees, And Ceremonial Details
Despite the controversy surrounding the guest list, the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony is anticipated to host over 6,000 attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Invitations have been extended to a diverse range of individuals, encompassing political, entertainment, and spiritual spheres.
Apart from political leaders, renowned personalities from the film industry, including Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, and several others, have been invited. The trust has also sent invitations to 4,000 saints representing various sects, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the ceremony.
The consecration rituals, slated to commence on January 16, will culminate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, marking a significant milestone in Ayodhya’s history. The elaborate Vedic rituals conducted by a Varanasi-based priest will coincide with the Amrit Mahautsav, a week-long celebration in Ayodhya.
The Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony stands as a pivotal moment in Indian history, symbolizing a culmination of religious sentiments and socio-political dynamics. The guest list’s exclusions, particularly the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, have sparked debates concerning the criteria for invitations and the event’s perceived politicization.
As the ceremony approaches, the presence or absence of key political figures will continue to fuel discussions, underscoring the delicate balance between religion, politics, and societal inclusivity in India.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, India Today
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Ayodhya Ram temple, Ayodhya, Ram mandir, religion, belief, complexities, politics, Babri Masjid, Ram Temple, religious beliefs, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Ram Mandir trust, society
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