Tag: BJP

  • Mamata Faces BJP Pressure To Announce Holiday In West Bengal For Ram Temple Event, TMC Calls It political stunt |

    New Delhi: West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Friday appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to announce a holiday on January 22 so that the people of the state can join the festivities of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The central government offices, public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions and regional rural banks (RRBs) in the country will be closed for half a day on January 22. Some states, such as Assam and Odisha, which are neighbouring West Bengal, have also declared a half-day holiday for the occasion.

    Majumdar shared a letter he sent to the chief minister on X, saying “I have requested our Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial (Mamata Banerjee) to kindly consider declaring 22nd January 2024 to be a school holiday, so that the youth of West Bengal gets to rejoice in the Ram Mandir consecration celebrations.”

    I have requested our Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial to kindly consider declaring 22nd January, 2024 to be a school holiday, so that the youth of West Bengal gets to rejoice in the Ram Mandir consecration celebrations…#RamMandirPranPratishta #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/h4U4TagCKZ
    — Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) January 19, 2024

    He mentioned that the chief minister has given holidays for many special events in the past. He added, “We think that the people of the state should also get the opportunity to participate in the Ram Temple inauguration. We request you to officially declare the day as a holiday.” The TMC leadership, however, expressed doubt over the significance of the date for the Ram temple inauguration.

    TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh asked, “Is there any specific date in the almanac or any other Hindu religious calendar where the auspicious date for Ram Temple inauguration is mentioned? Has Sukanta Majumdar become a priest? The event (Ram Temple inauguration) where many BJP leaders will be present is a political event before the Lok Sabha elections. We don’t mix religion with politics like the BJP.”

    Banerjee, who is also the head of the ruling TMC, will lead a ‘rally for harmony’ on January 22 from Hazra Crossing in south Kolkata to Park Circus, where she will also address a public meeting. She will begin the all-faith march after offering ‘puja’ at the ancient Kalighat temple, and visit places of worship of different religions along the way.

  • 132 Lok Sabha Seats, Four States: PM Modi’s Spiritual Outreach -Unveiling Strategy Behind BJP’s Southern Quest |

    Lord Ram is worshipped across the country and in many foreign countries as well. Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22 will mark his return to Ayodhya after a gap of around 450 years. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony, he is visiting several temples in the south which has strong connections with Lord Ram. Starting from Maharashtra, PM Modi has so far visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well. 

    Now, he will be visiting various significant temples in Tamil Nadu on 20-21 January. On 20th January, he will participate in a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in this temple. Thereafter, he will reach Rameswaram and perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. On 21st January, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.

    Maharashtra – 48 Lok Sabha Seats

    Nashik holds significant connections to the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana, the epic where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided along the banks of the Godavari River. Notably, it is the locale where Lakshman cut off Surpanakha’s nose. The revered Shree Kala Ram Mandir which PM Modi visited, stands in the Panchavati Area of Nashik, a place deeply intertwined with the events of the Ramayana. Panchavati holds a special significance as it witnessed key episodes of the epic. Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, spent a considerable time in the Dandakaranya forest, which encompasses the Panchavati region. The legend has it that Lord Ram chose this region for his abode due to the auspicious presence of these five significant trees – Panchvati – five banyan trees. Now, by visiting the temple, PM Modi sent a message to the people of Maharashtra that the Ram Temple is ready for devotees. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP is facing tough competition there due to the NCP-Sena UBT-Congress alliance. 

    Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh on January 16. PM Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata. Lepakshi’s historical significance is rooted in the Ramayana, as it is believed that the injured bird Jatayu, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita, descended at this location after an intense battle and attended Mokhsa. Even if the BJP manages to win three to five seats out of 25 in the state, it will be a boost for the saffron party.

    Kerala – 20 Lok Sabha Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 17. PM Modi appealed to people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22 to mark the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The BJP has significantly increased its vote share in some of the seats including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Attingal seats. Of the 20 seats, the BJP is trying to win at least 3-5 seats with the help of Hindu and Christian voters.

    Tamil Nadu – 39 Lok Sabha Seats

    The BJP has gained significant popularity in the state under state unit chief K Annamalai. Now, with PM Modi’s regular visits and temple darshans, the BJP is trying to carve a niche among the Hindu voters. PM Modi’s popularity clubbed with the dynamism of Annamalai is likely to increase BJP’s vote share. And if this translates into victory, it would mark the saffron party’s south expansion. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. 

    With the Lok Sabha elections just three months away, the BJP is working round the clock to increase its vote share in the southern states.

  • With Development Work And ‘Ram Jyoti’ Appeal, PM Modi Tries To Strike A Chord With ‘Unfavourable’ Kerala Voters |

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a gathering in Kerala’s Kochi where he lauded the people of the state for celebrating ‘Ramayan Masam’ and urged people to light ‘Ram Jyoti’ on January 22. “Shri Rama Jyoti should be lit in all houses and temples during the Dhanya Muhurta of Prana Pratishtha in Ayodhya. This message should be conveyed to all,” urged PM Modi to the people. He also asked party workers to focus on their booth saying that every booth is important. PM Modi urged the party workers to conduct contact activities with people and made them aware of the BJP government’s scheme. He also asked all Shaktikendra workers to use the Namo application to get accurate awareness of central schemes. 

    Kerala, once a Congress stronghold, has shifted towards the Left for the last 10 years. The BJP is focussing on ‘development, welfare, and security’ issues to woo the voters. The BJP is already making ground among voters with PM Modi’s roadshows and events. PM Modi recently led a roadshow and a women’s rally in Thrissur on January 3. He also addressed the Nari Shakthi (Women’s Power) conference which was attended by thousands of women.

    Focus On Key Lok Sabha Seats

    The Kerala BJP is focussing on key Lok Sabah seats where its vote share has increased over time. Over the past three Lok Sabha elections of Thiruvananthapuram, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demonstrated its growing strength as a formidable contender. In the 2009 election, the BJP’s candidate PK Krishna Das secured a notable vote share of 11.40 per cent. Subsequently, in 2014, O Rajagopal significantly increased the party’s influence, garnering 32.32 per cent of the votes. Although there was a slight dip in electoral support in 2019, with Kummanam Rajasekharan achieving a vote share of 31.30 per cent, the BJP continued to establish itself as a robust opponent in the region.

    The Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat, which saw agitations related to the Sabarimala temple, is again the focus of the BJP. The party’s vote share in this seat had increased from 7.06 per cent in 2009 to 15.95 per cent in 2014 and to 28.97 per cent in 2019. The BJP is also focussing on the Thrissur and Attingal seats.

    BJP Customising Its Kerala Strategy

    The BJP is customising itself in the state which has a significant number of Christian voters. Shifting away from the traditional strategy of catering primarily to the Hindu community, the BJP is now focusing on the electoral potential within the Christian population in Kerala. The state presents a complex religious demographic scenario, posing a unique challenge for the BJP in its electoral endeavours. Among the 33.4 million inhabitants in Kerala, Christians constitute approximately 18 per cent of the population, while Muslims make up 26 per cent.

    Since the Muslim community in the state largely votes for either Congress or the Left, the BJP is looking to woo Christian voters who are not adverse to the party. Modi’s decision to visit Sacred Heart’s College went beyond merely trying to shape the perspectives of young individuals. It also aimed to portray the BJP as an inclusive party that embraces Christians and genuinely seeks the welfare of the community.

    The BJP’s endeavours to establish a foothold in Kerala politics are showing tangible outcomes, as reflected in the increasing votes and endorsement from influential church figures. Another noteworthy development is the resignation of Johnny Nellore, the vice-chairman of the Kerala Congress, who has declared the formation of a new political party with backing from the Church, purportedly supported by the BJP. Also, by visiting the popular temples, PM Modi has maintained his devotion towards the religion. This will also help woo the Hindu voters. Thus, if the BJP manages to carve out a space for itself among the Hindu and Christian voters, its path will become easier. 

    Development Plank

    PM Modi is presenting the BJP as a party known for carrying out development work. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and India’s first Water Metro Service in Kochi is part of a strategic plan. Even today, when the Prime Minister visited Kerala, he inaugurated projects worth over Rs 4000 crore in Kerala’s Kochi. The three major infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL); the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL; and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi.

    Highlighting the new infrastructure initiatives inaugurated today, the Prime Minister said the Central Government is working to increase the capacity of coastal cities like Kochi. He further asserted that Kochi is set to be the next ship-building hub of the nation. This will send a signal to the youth of the state that they will get better opportunities within the state instead of migrating to other places.

  • Congress never opposed Ram temple, BJP, RSS used Babri issue for political mileage: Digvijaya Singh

    Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday alleged that the intention of the BJP, RSS and VHP behind demolishing the Babri mosque in Ayodhya was not to build a temple at the site, but to make it a Hindu-Muslim issue for political mileage.

    In a post on social media platform X, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister claimed the Congress never opposed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but raised question marks over the location of the new temple, where the idol consecration ceremony will take place on January 22.

    “(The Congress) only asked to wait till the court’s decision for the construction (of temple) on the disputed land. Bhoomi pujan on non-disputed land was done during the time of Rajiv ji (former PM Rajiv Gandhi). (Ex-PM P V) Narasimha Rao ji had also acquired non-disputed land for the construction of Ram temple,” Singh said. He alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had to demolish the mosque anyway, but their intention was not to build a temple at the site.

    “…Because, until the mosque is demolished, it does not become a Hindu-Muslim issue. Destruction is in their behaviour and character; taking political advantage by spreading unrest is their strategy,” said the Rajya Sabha member, hitting out at the saffron organisations.

    When contacted, state BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi dubbed Singh as “Ram drohi” (anti-Lord Ram) and claimed the Congress leader and his party were against Sanatan Dharma. He said the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government, in an affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court, had called Lord Ram an “imaginary” figure. Singh should clarify how long he will continue to be “anti-Sanatan Dharma and Ram drohi”, asked Chaturvedi.

  • For Panthic votes, Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) prefers Left to BJP

    With Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) striving to regain Panthic support and unite all Akali Dal factions, Punjab-based party leaders feel the environment is not favourable for alliance with former decades-old ally BJP.

    Akali leaders believe the party would continue its alliance with BSP and may form a grand alliance by joining hands with Left parties, including CPM and CPI.

    Last month, on Akali Dal’s 103rd anniversary, Badal apologised for his government’s “administrative failures” in the 2015 sacrilege cases and urged for breakaway reunification for Panthic unity. He publicly apologised for failing to apprehend Guru Granth Sahib desecration culprits in 2015 under his tenure.Akali Dal has always highlighted Sikh issues, but after the defeat in 2022 assembly polls, Badal has been trying to reclaim panthic votes and shared the stage with hardline Sikh leaders like SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann and Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Dadduwal. Recently, Badal and the SGPC president visited the family of Late Akal Takht Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke and pledged full support to them. Kaunke’s family claims six police officers killed the Sikh spiritual leader.

    Senior Akali Dal leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder believes the party would prioritise religion and agriculture (Panth te Kisani). Bhunder stated “the situation and circumstances are not conducive for alliance with BJP.” Both parties will struggle to agree ideologically, especially with the current BJP leadership.”

    He added that beside BSP there are many options for SAD, including Left parties such as CPM and CPI. The party had allied with Left parties in the past as well.SAD leader Naresh Gujral also ruled out alliance with BJP, saying, “there is no scope.”Akali Dal, the founder of NDA and BJP’s oldest ally, moved out of the ruling alliance in 2020, following the protest over the three farm laws. The laws were later taken back by the government.

  • Mayawati’s Masterstroke: BSP To Contest 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Alone |

    NEW DELHI: In a strategic move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Mayawati, the influential Dalit leader and national president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), made a big announcement on her birthday. Amidst the celebratory greetings, she declared that the BSP would go solo in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, marking a departure from previous political alliances.

    “I want to make it clear that Bahujan Samaj Party will fight Lok Sabha elections alone, won’t get into alliance with any party, ” she said.

    Alone But Unyielding: BSP’s Lone Battle in 2024

    Mayawati, known for her astute political maneuvers, chose the occasion of her birthday to unveil the party’s independent stance for the crucial parliamentary elections. The decision to contest the polls without forming alliances reflects a bold and independent approach, setting the stage for a distinctive electoral strategy.

    A Calculated Political Shift

    This move comes in the wake of speculation regarding Mayawati’s potential collaboration with the I.N.D.I.A opposition alliance. However, with this announcement, she has strategically positioned the BSP as a formidable standalone force in the electoral battleground. The decision is likely to reshape political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

    Mayawati’s Vision for the Future

    Mayawati’s decision carries implications not only for the BSP but also for the broader political scenario. As she charts a course for her party, it remains to be seen how this shift will influence alliances, voter dynamics, and the overall political narrative in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

    The Unfolding Political Drama

    With Mayawati’s bold declaration, the political stage is set for a gripping narrative. The decision to go solo brings with it a sense of anticipation, leaving political pundits and citizens alike speculating about the potential impact on alliances, strategies, and the final outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. As the BSP embarks on this solitary journey, the coming months promise an unfolding drama that could redefine the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

    Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended birthday wishes to Mayawati, the national president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The greetings were conveyed through social media, accompanied by a phone call expressing good health and longevity for the former Chief Minister.

    The significance of CM Yogi’s call amplifies as it coincides with Mayawati’s anticipated decision regarding joining the I.N.D.I.A opposition alliance led by the Congress. Speculations are rife about the call influencing the political landscape just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the volatile realm of politics, alliances are said to be ephemeral, and a phone call can redefine relationships.

  • Will fulfil Shah’s Lok Sabha seat target in West Bengal: Majumdar

    The BJP’s West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar has flagged the issue of infiltration and said his party will contest the upcoming general election in the state on the planks of “large-scale corruption” of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the performance of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

    “Infiltration is the biggest challenge faced by Bengal and it is a question of how the state can be saved,” Majumdar told ET in an exclusive interview. “The law and order situation is precarious in West Bengal, especially in some parts like the border area of Sandeshkhali. Demography in these bordering regions has completely changed over the years since independence. If we compare the census in 1947 and the last census in 2011, there is a huge change in the demography due to infiltration.”

    Poll Planks”We will fight the Lok Sabha polls on two issues – large-scale corruption of Trinamool Congress and PM Narendra Modi’s performance in the last few years and Modi’s developmental model,” Majumdar said.

    Talking about candidate selection for the upcoming polls, he said, “We will consider certain factors during candidate selection for Lok Sabha polls – whether they are associated with the party’s work actively, ideological background and clean image. These three factors will be considered with utmost importance during candidate selection.”

    While inducting new workers into the party, the BJP aims to focus on fresh faces with a clean image, he said. “Fresh faces will be taken into the party. We will not accept rotten potatoes. We will rather focus on fresh faces and karyakartas (workers) instead of leaders,” he said.The BJP has worked hard to build an organisational base in the state in the past few years, Majumdar said. “We have built a strong organisational structure and the number of people in the booths is far higher than that in 2019. We have become stronger and booths have also been strengthened. We will be able to fulfil the target set by Amit Shah for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” he said.Shah has fixed a target of winning 35 out of the 42 seats in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had won 18 seats, up from two seats in 2014.

    Rohingyas

    “There is a presence of Rohingyas in Sandeshkhali area. People like Shahjahan Sheikh have given place in the area to the Rohingyas in and around the fisheries and they are used by the Trinamool Congress politically. The Trinamool Congress government in Bengal is aware of it but they are silent on the matter. It is an open secret,” Majumdar said, adding that large tracts of areas where fisheries are run in Sandeshkhali and adjacent areas are a haven of illegal and anti-social activities.

    Talking about the central government’s intervention on AITC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, Majumdar said, “It should be an administrative decision as to what kind of central intervention is required to control these kind of incidents. The Centre should intervene in the matter depending on the law of the land.”

    Majumdar had written a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah last Friday, seeking intervention of the Centre and National Investigation Agency probe into the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials who went to raid Sheikh’s residence in connection with alleged Public Distribution System case. The officials were attacked and suffered serious injuries during the attack. “It is not only merely an attack on the Enforcement Directorate but an attack on the Constitution of India and sovereignty of the country,” said Majumdar.

  • Milind Deora Episode Shows Congress Party’s Disregard For Young Leaders |

    January 14 was to be a big day for Congress as Rahul Gandhi started his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur. However, the day was eclipsed by Milind Deora’s surprising decision to quit Congress. Deora severed his family’s five decades-old ties with the party. While Deora reportedly quit over the Mumbai South seat that Congress agreed to give to Shiv Sena-UBT, his move to quit Congress shows the grand old party’s disregard for young and dynamic leaders. The picture that you are seeing above is a testament to this. This photo has five leaders – Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora, Jitin Prasada, RPN Singh, and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Except for ‘disgruntled’ Pilot, all the four leaders have left the Congress party to join the BJP or NDA allies. Let’s take a look at the timeline when key leaders quit Congress:

    11 March 2020: Scindia

    The big shock for Congress came in 2020 when Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned and joined the BJP. Once among Rahul Gandhi’s closest aides, Scindia’s move led to the fall of the Kamal Nath Government in the state. According to reports, Scindia was not happy after being sidelined for Kamal Nath by the party. Scindia not only ended his 18-year association with the Congress but also laid the ground for keeping Congress in opposition in the state. He was also among those few Congress leaders who supported the Modi government’s move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

    9 June 2021: Jitin Prasada

    A year later, another man pictured in this photo left Congress. He was the senior Congress leader and former Union minister Jitin Prasada. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Prasada was among the G-23 leaders who raised their voices demanding overhauling of the party organisation.

    25 January 2022: RPN Singh

    Months later, former MP from Kushinagar and former union minister RPN Singh joined the BJP. It was a setback for the Congress as Singh was also the party’s in-charge for Jharkhand affairs.

    Sachin Pilot And Himanta Sarma

    Despite being upset with the party leadership, Sachin Pilot has so far kept his cards close to his chest. Just like Scindia faced Kamal Nath, Pilot has been upset with Ashok Gehlot. However, it all started in August 2015 when Himanta Biswa Sarma, a dynamic leader from Assam, left Congress and joined the BJP after being ignored by Tarun Gogoi, then CM of Assam. In all these three cases, Congress opted to stick with its senior guards like Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot and Tarun Gogoi. While it lost Sarma and Scindia, the party has been on its toes to keep Pilot in its flock. Today, Congress has lost ground in Assam, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It has lost connection with people in Uttar Pradesh from where RPN Singh and Jitina Prasada belong. 

    These are some of the many instances of young leaders deserting Congress. In June 2022, Hardik Patel had left Congress to join the BJP in Gujarat. In December 2022, the BJP had formally inducted former Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergil. This shows that the Congress party is not ready to accept the young leaders taking charge. It might be a fear factor within Congress that a rise of young leaders may challenge the authority of Rahul Gandhi.  When Shashi Tharoor filed for the Congress president post, the Gandhi family indirectly backed veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge who would not make any radical change in the organisation without the approval of the Gandhi family. 

    On the other hand, the BJP is not wary of giving reigns in the hands of young leaders. Today, Scindia is looking after the Union Aviation Ministry while comparatively younger faces were given CM posts in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has ensured two straight terms for the BJP.

  • ‘Vanishing’ Team Of Rahul Gandhi Faces More Challenges As INDIA Bloc Seat-Sharing Deal Turns Lethal For Congress |

    Rahul Gandhi has kicked off programs for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur today but at the same time, his party Congress has suffered a massive setback in Maharashtra where senior party leader Milind Deora resigned from the party and has joined CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. While the Congress leaders have accused the BJP of hatching conspiracy ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, the grand old party has turned a blind eye to a storm that is brewing within the party. 

    According to reports, Milind Deora resigned after Congress agreed to let Shiv Sena-UBT retain Mumbai South Parliamentary seat. Deora was adamant about contesting the seat and thus left the party. Deora is the first casualty of the INDIA Bloc seat-sharing deal. With the impending general elections this year, the Congress is navigating a delicate balance, aiming to steer clear of potentially embarrassing incidents akin to Sachin Pilot’s rebellion in Rajasthan—a state they recently lost in the assembly elections.

    The Mumbai South Seat is currently held by Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena, aligned with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. Since Sena UBT won the seat when it was in alliance with the BJP, if Shinde Sena fields Deora from the seat, it might be looking at a potential winning candidate with a proven track record in the constituency. 

    For Congress, Deora’s departure marks a significant loss for the Congress, particularly in terms of shaping the party’s strategy in the region. This exit creates a void that may pose challenges to fill in the upcoming elections. 

    As the Lok Sabha election gets closer, the Congress has lost a leader of calibre who commands a significant vote share in the region. While Sawant had got around 4.21 lakh votes in the 2019 polls, Deora was runner-up with over 3 lakh votes. Deora’s exit will also have an impact on the impending Maharashtra assembly elections. 

    Deora’s exit also marks the increasing void within the Congress as leaders who were once close to Rahul Gandhi are slowly deserting the party. This includes Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hardik Patel, Ashwani Kumar, Sunil Jakhar, RPN Singh, Amarinder Singh, Jitin Prasada, and Anil Antony among others. 

    Now, the Congress party is already in talks with the Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress for seat sharing in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Since Congress has shown a willingness to take a backseat in the seat-sharing deal, it will be ceding more seats to INDIA bloc partners and that may certainly hurt the ambition of its many leaders. If the Congress party fails to control the dissent, then more leaders may quit the party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, further weakening the party. 

    The Congress has already witnessed voices of dissent over its decision to avoid the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. Leaders from across the northern belt are reportedly unhappy with the party’s move to desist from attending the Ram temple event. These issues are crucial and Congress needs a solution at the earliest. Otherwise, for a party which is almost on life-support for the last two parliamentary polls, the coming days will be more challenging.

  • ‘RSS-BJP Event’: Congress Says Won’t Attend Ram Temple Inauguration In Ayodhya |

    NEW DELHI: In a major political development, the Congress party on Wednesday said that it has decided to skip the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated to be held on January 22. The move, according to a party statement, is attributed to concerns over the event being strategically advanced for electoral gains by the BJP and RSS. ”The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been brought forward for electoral gain,” the statement issued by the Congress party said.

    Congress Leaders Decline Invitation 

    The statement emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while respecting the sentiments of millions who hold Lord Ram in high regard. Notable party figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have gracefully declined the invitation, characterizing the event as distinctly aligned with the RSS and BJP, according to the statement. 

    “Last month, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya to be held on January 22nd, 2024,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in the statement.

    “Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” the statement added.

     

    Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy


    — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024

     

    Sonia, Kharge, Chowdhury On The Guest List

    Previously invited to the consecration ceremony on January 22, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were individually extended invitations. The ongoing invitation process is expected to include former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, along with various other opposition leaders in the coming days.

    Diverse Guest List Raises Eyebrows

    While the heads of major national political parties have received invitations, chief ministers and governors are notably absent from the list, despite their party leadership roles. The inclusive guest list features figures from various domains, including spiritual leaders, actors, industrialists, and heads of temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi.

    Advani, Joshi Invited Amid Health Concerns

    In a notable move, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has extended invitations to BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures from the ’90s Ram Mandir movement. Both leaders, now in their nineties, expressed their intent to participate, contingent on their health conditions.

    PM Modi To Attend Idol Installation

    The grand ceremony is set to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be attending the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla. As per temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting from January 16. Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22. 

    Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India.