Dedication of Ram Mandir: President Droupadi Murmu formally invited to the event on January 22
The invitation was formally presented to President Murmu by a delegation representing the Ram Temple Trust, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said.
Ram Mandir consecration: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday received the official invitation for the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The invitation was formally presented to President Murmu by a delegation representing the Ram Temple Trust, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said in a statement. .
The delegation included VHP working president Alok Kumar, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Ram Lal and Ram temple construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra.
“Today, Her Excellency the President of India, Smt Draupadi Murmu Ji, was invited for the consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Temple on January 22,” VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said in a message on X.
He also posted a photo of President Murmu receiving the delegation's invitation.
I think I did a good job I think it was 22 months ago. I think I did well I think I did well I think I did well गी।
I think I like it… pic.twitter.com/ceO6Gwuvbc— विनोद बंसल Vinod Bansal (@vinod_bansal) January 12, 2024
“She expressed immense joy over this and said that she will soon decide when it is time to come and visit Ayodhya,” Bansal added.
Notably, opposition parties from the INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, had repeatedly questioned the BJP-led central government over not inviting President Murmu for the January 22 event. The opposition had alleged that Murmu was not invited to the ordination because she belonged to a group. tribal community.
Congress 'respectfully' rejects Ram Mandir's invitation
On Wednesday, the Congress 'respectfully' declined the invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The grand old party accused the BJP of using Ayodhya as a 'political project' and called the inauguration ceremony a 'BJP/RSS event.
The Congress alleged that Lord Ram is worshiped by millions of people in the country and religion is a personal matter.
“But the RSS/BJP have made a political project out of the Ayodhya temple for a long time. The inauguration of the unfinished temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has clearly been mooted for electoral gain,” the party said.
“While adhering to the 2019 Supreme Court verdict and respecting the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” it added.
Earlier today, the VHP had said that they “need more time” to invite the President for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya.
“We have sought time from the President of India Draupadi Murmu ji to invite her for the great auspicious day of inauguration of Ram Mandir on January 22,” they had said.
Vice President invited for the consecration of Ram Mandir
On Thursday, VHP International Working President Alok Kumar and Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Construction Committee, sent an invitation for the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Dhankhar said he will indicate a suitable time to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and thousands of seers from across the country have been invited for the ceremony.
Ahead of the event, volunteers from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates, including the VHP, reached out to people across the country and invited them to participate in the initiation ceremony by offering prayers at the temples in their neighborhood.
(With input from agencies)