The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has extended invitations to several Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, for the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, sources said. However, it is uncertain whether these senior Congress figures will attend the event, according to reports.
Overall, the Trust has already finalised over 6,000 distinguished individuals, comprising saints and VVIPs, to attend the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple.
From congress, the Trust individually sent invitations to Kharge, Gandhi, Chowdhury, as well as to former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda. Notably, sources indicated that BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are not expected to participate in the forthcoming ceremony.
The Trust emphasized its aim to honor individuals from various backgrounds who have made significant contributions to the country. Apart from political figures, renowned personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are expected to grace the ceremony. Additionally, Amitabh Bachchan, Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani have received invitations, alongside actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, known for portraying Ram and Sita in the iconic TV series Ramayan.
The guest list encompasses around 3,000 VVIPs, including RSS Head Mohan Bhagwat, Baba Ramdev, and Ratan Tata. Noteworthy attendees will range from judges, scientists, writers, poets, saints, and religious leaders to former civil servants, retired Army officers, lawyers, musicians, and recipients of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.
According to the Trust, approximately 4,000 saints from diverse sects have been invited to partake in the ceremony. To accommodate a large number of guests, a Tent City named Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi) has been established with essential facilities like six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a ten-bed hospital. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, mentioned plans for an additional tin-shed city set to be ready by the end of February, catering to 10,000-15,000 people seeking shelter, food, and water during the event.
Around 150 doctors from different parts of the country have volunteered to provide their services in rotation at the hospital in Ayodhya during this period.
The construction of the Ram Temple follows a prolonged legal battle, culminating in the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict that paved the way for its construction. The temple's realization stands as a significant electoral promise made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, the government established the 'Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' Trust entrusted with making decisions concerning the temple's construction.
Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Models Witness Global Demand Ahead of Consecration
How Ayodhya Ram Mandir Resonates Across US Temples, Everything You need to Know
Ayodhya's Proposed Mosque: Construction Set to Begin in May 2024