Lalu Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Bihar and leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has declined an invitation to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22.
The 75-year-old opposition leader joins others like Chief Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in opting out of the event. Pawar expressed his intention to visit the temple at a later date after the completion of the construction. Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and his family, on the other hand, have confirmed their plan to visit the temple post the inauguration ceremony.
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Mamata Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister of West Bengal, has announced a “Sarva Dharma” rally on January 22, coinciding with the Ram Mandir event. The Congress, citing concerns about the religious program turning political, declared that its leaders would not attend. The opposition leaders declining the invitations are labeled as “anti-Ram” by the saffron party.
Ayodhya is gearing up for the grand opening, with over 7,000 attendees expected, including politicians, business figures, saints, and celebrities. The Pran Pratistha event, lasting seven days, will commence with the installation of the sculpture of Ram Lalla, crafted by artist Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be the chief guest, and nearly a hundred representatives from various nations will also attend.
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In a separate development, Lalu Prasad Yadav, leader of the RJD, addressed reports of discord within the opposition INDIA bloc regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Yadav denied any rift with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the President of the Janata Dal-United. The INDIA allies are yet to reach a consensus on seat-sharing, with tensions escalating after Nitish Kumar declined the opportunity to lead the Indian National Developmental All-inclusive Alliance.