‘Can’t attend Modi-RSS event’: Rahul Gandhi on Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya

Neeraj Mohan

Chiephobozou (Kohima), Jan 16

Stating that he needn’t wear the tag of his religion on his sleeve, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the RSS and the BJP had made the Ram Temple consecration ceremony a completely political Modi function and that was why top Congress leaders had declined the invitation to attend the “political event”.

“Some people use religion for political gains, but for me, religion is a way to live happily and respect others. People should keep their religion personal,” he said, emphasising the need for individuals to follow their faith without showcasing it or leveraging it to their advantage. To queries on the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22, Rahul said, “The programme has become a political event organised by PM Modi, the BJP and the RSS. It is ‘challenging’ for us to participate in a political function organised by them, which is why the Congress president has declined the invitation. However, we respect all religions and anyone, including Congress leaders, who wishes is free to attend.”

The Congress leader made it clear that he had no plan to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya during his 11-day stay in UP as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He will be in Assam on the day of the temple consecration on January 22.

“The route map of my yatra has already been prepared and I will be in Assam on January 22,” he said.

On challenges in seat sharing with INDIA bloc partners and uncertainty over naming Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the INDIA convener, Rahul said, “Work on seat sharing is moving on fine and I am confident that all issues will be resolved.”

Mamata’s ‘harmony rally’ on Jan 22

Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday that she would lead a “rally for harmony” in Kolkata on January 22, the day the Ram Temple consecration ceremony will be held in Ayodhya.

Rahul in ‘la-la’ land: Minister

Rahul lives in la-la land, in a make-believe world where he feels faith of people can be manipulated. The Ram Temple is a matter of faith for all Hindus. Faith cannot be manipulated. — Rajeev Chandrashekhar, union minister