NEW DELHI: Meenakshi Lekhi, a BJP leader and Union Minister, took a playful dig at the CPI(M) for their decision not to join the upcoming January 22 Ram Temple event in Ayodhya. She commented that only those personally summoned by Lord Ram would be present at the consecration ceremony.

"All have been invited. Only those specifically called by Lord Ram will be present in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple," she affirmed when addressing the CPI(M)'s refusal.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who received an invitation, outlined the party's viewpoint, expressing concerns about the perceived blending of politics and religious beliefs by the central government.
"I was given the invitation by Nripendra Mishra, escorted by a VHP leader... Religion is an individual's personal choice. We respect and defend everyone's right to choose their faith... According to the Indian Constitution and the Supreme Court, the state should not advocate any particular religion or have religious affiliations. However, this inauguration ceremony appears to be a government-sponsored event with the Prime Minister, UP CM, and other officials in attendance, which is directly politicizing people's religious beliefs and goes against the Constitution. Therefore, under these circumstances, I regret that I won't be attending the event," stated Yechury.

Backing Yechury's sentiments, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat mentioned, "The CPI(M) general secretary did receive an invitation for the inaugural ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, the CPI(M) will not participate. Our party, in line with its policy, respects religious beliefs but maintains distance from religious events as a political entity."

Invitations have been extended to several opposition figures such as former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. However, the Congress party's attendance remains unconfirmed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, joined by several ministers and approximately 4,000 saints.

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