Amid controversy surrounding the Left's absence from the upcoming grand consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 and uncertainties regarding the attendance of other prominent Opposition figures, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the invitees should have the freedom to make their own choices regarding their participation.

Tharoor, a senior leader in the Congress party, expressed that Opposition leaders should not face labels of being 'anti-Hindu' for opting out of the Ram Temple consecration. He also highlighted that attending the event should not automatically imply support for the BJP's agenda.

Addressing the media, Tharoor criticized certain sections of the media for attempting to pigeonhole the Congress leadership into a narrow narrative. He stressed, "There are efforts to corner the Congress leadership by suggesting that attending means playing into BJP's hands, or not attending signifies being against Hinduism. Let individuals make a reasonable decision."

When asked about the potential impact of skipping the Ram Temple consecration on the Opposition's prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Tharoor dismissed attempts to politicize the issue, questioning its fairness.

Tharoor firmly asserted that visiting a temple is a personal choice, not a political stage. He emphasized, "Individuals have received invitations; they should be free to decide. A temple is a place for personal reflection and prayers, not a platform for political agendas."

While acknowledging that he personally had not yet received a formal invitation, Tharoor reiterated his belief that a temple visit for prayers is distinct from attending a large-scale political event led by political figures. He indicated that a few members from his party have been invited, stating that individual decisions would prevail unless the party takes a collective stance.

Previously, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction Committee extended invitations to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, current Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and the party's leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, for the consecration ceremony. However, the Congress party is yet to confirm the attendance of these senior leaders.

The ceremony on January 22 will witness the installation of the Ram Lalla idol at the grand temple. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the inauguration, the event is expected to host various dignitaries from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the temple trust has invited 4,000 saints from different sects to participate in the ceremony.

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