Rahul Gandhi Takes a Dig At PM Modi, Calls Ram Mandir’s Inauguration ‘Modi ka…’

Rahul Gandhi swiped at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the upcoming Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya is being treated as ‘Modi ka Function’. In a media statement, Gandhi pointed out, “The RSS and the BJP have turned the January 22 event into a purely political affair centred around Narendra Modi. It’s an event by the RSS and BJP, and that’s why the Congress president decided not to attend.”

Gandhi emphasized the Congress’s inclusive approach, stating “We welcome all religions and practices. Even prominent figures in the Hindu community have publicly stated their views that the January 22 event is more of a political function.” He added that it’s challenging for them to participate in a political function centred around the Prime Minister and the RSS.

While the top leaders of Congress have declined an invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, the party’s Uttar Pradesh unit proceeded with its plan to offer prayers in Ayodhya on Makar Sankranti. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai and other party leaders took a holy dip in the Saryu River in Ayodhya on January 15.

In response, the BJP criticized the Congress leaders, labelling them as opportunists willing to do anything for political gain. Union minister and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi commented, “They are like ‘barsati mendak’ (rain frogs). They can do anything for politics… they have been playing appeasement politics, but I will say ‘better late than never’.”

Gandhi is not the only opposition member questioning the BJP government’s motives regarding the Ram Mandir inauguration. Other parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, have also termed the inauguration as a “political project” of the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).