There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya on 22 January shall perhaps be the greatest historic moment of this century. However, politics seems to have taken the front seat, and unless issues get addressed to the satisfaction of all, the occasion shall generate unnecessary controversy.
The BJP and the Congress are locked in a war of words after Congress’ three principal leaders—Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury—have declined the invitation extended to them by the organizers, on the plea that the entire affair appeared to be an orchestrated event of the saffron brigade, and did not have the requisite spiritual and religious spirit.
What has made the BJP more uncomfortable is the decision of the Shankaracharyas not to attend this consecration on different grounds. Their view point is regarding the inauguration of an incomplete temple, and the absence of strict adherence to the accepted rituals and practices. One Shankaracharya also wanted that the opening should have coincided with the Ram Navami celebrations. The important point that needs to be underlined is that the Shankaracharyas are not opposed to the construction of the temple but would have been happier if pran pratishtha had been done keeping in mind the correct processes and procedures.
A serious effort should be made to address the concerns of the Shankaracharyas, who are the supreme leaders of the Sanatan Dharma faith. And if their views have been distorted by vested interests, then a clarity on the issue should be made public. Historically, the Hindus have always looked up to the Shankaracharyas for direction, and at no point can their opinions be ignored in any manner. The Shankaracharyas are to the Hindu religion what the Pope is to the Christians.
Thus, their backing the ambitious project at Ayodhya is not only essential but shall reinforce the faith of the followers of Sanatan Dharma in their religion. The Congress stand on the issue is absolutely political and has no religious connect even though some of its leaders have been citing the views expressed by the Shankaracharyas while describing the 22 January inauguration as a political event of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, aimed at the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Normally speaking, the Congress leaders should have accepted the invitation for the consecration, bowing to the wishes of majority of Hindus, who besides the BJP, also support it as well as other political parties in various regions. The objections raised by them could have been highlighted after the inauguration. From the Congress view point, the decision not to go is also prompted by their attempt to consolidate its own support base, given that no kind of influence can change the opinion of the Bhakts who are under the hypnotic spell of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ceremony in Ayodhya would focus mostly on Modi and the Sangh’s agenda, making it a campaign issue for the BJP. In the assessment of the Congress and its allies, the section of Hindus who are with Modi would never go towards any other political party. Even the stand taken by the Shankaracharyas would not make any difference to their loyalty. Thus, under these circumstances, it would be equally important to stand by those who are not with the BJP and Modi.
The Congress also believes that no one needs an invitation to go to a temple and most of its leaders would visit the shrine on the date and time which is convenient to them, rather than being pushed into an occasion where the BJP has complete control over the narrative. Many political analysts have described the Congress stand as a political suicide given that as per the prevailing perception, the party is seen as “anti-Hindu” and its defeat in the past two Parliamentary polls was on account of it being viewed as an outfit which had abandoned its secular credentials while tilting towards the minorities. It is for the Congress and its leadership to correct this perception but their absence from the event would be highlighted as much as the participation of Modi in the rituals by the national media.
Ideally speaking, the Congress should have taken credit for the opening by reminding people that the idol of Ram Lalla was discovered in 1949 when Gobind Ballabh Pant was the Chief Minister of the state. The locks were opened at the time when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister. And the “shilanayas” was performed when Rajiv was heading the Central government.
He started his 1989 campaign from Ayodhya to reap political dividends from the event. In addition, the demolition of the Babri mosque at the disputed site took place during the Congress dispensation at the Centre headed by PV Narasimha Rao. However, the Congress has decided to distance itself from this consecration, allowing the BJP a free run.
Lord Ram is a symbol of unity and justice in India and much more. The occasion should be used for the furtherance of the attempts to bring about reconciliation amongst various communities as also to put an end to divisive politics. Lord Rama belongs to this universe.
Between us.