The recent decision by the Congress to abstain from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22 has stirred a political whirlwind, marking a significant moment in India’s current political landscape. The Congress, aligning with other opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Left, has chosen to distance itself from what it perceives as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh event. This decision surfaces amidst speculations that the temple inauguration is being expedited to align with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Opposition’s Strategy: A Calculated Move?
Delving into the opposition’s mindset, the Congress and other parties seem to be playing a strategic game. They believe that any political mileage from the Ram Mandir event will ultimately benefit the BJP, given its strong association with the Hindutva ideology. Participation in the event could potentially alienate minority voters, a risk the Congress seems unwilling to take.
TMC’s Standpoint: A Non-Issue for Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee, the TMC chief, has firmly decided against attending the ceremony. This decision is rooted in her experience during the West Bengal polls, where the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan didn’t translate into electoral gains. Banerjee appears confident that her absence won’t affect her prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Congress’s Dilemma: To Attend or Not?
For the Congress, the situation is more complex. Recent internal meetings revealed concerns that skipping the event might hurt their electoral chances in Uttar Pradesh. This reflects a divide within the party, with some state leaders choosing to attend independently.
Historical Context: Congress’s Consistent Stance
This is not the first instance of the Congress opting out of Hindu-centric events. Previously, the party avoided the bhoomipujan of the new Parliament building and the sengol ceremony. Such decisions have often branded the Congress as anti-Hindu, a narrative the BJP has actively promoted.
BJP’s Counterattack
The BJP, seizing the opportunity, has been vocal in criticizing the Congress’s decision. Aparajita Sarangi from the BJP accused the Congress of being anti-Hindu and against Lord Ram. The Congress, in response, maintains that religion is a personal affair and should not intertwine with politics, accusing the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for political gains.
The Ripple Effect in the Party
These top-level decisions leave many Congress members in a difficult position, especially those from the Hindi heartland. While the leadership aims to project a secular image by distancing from religious events, this might inadvertently fuel the BJP’s narrative of appeasement politics.
Rahul Gandhi’s Perspective
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress figure, has criticized the government’s handling of religious events, including the sengol ceremony, suggesting a disconnect between the Prime Minister’s actions and traditional Indian practices.
The Potential Political Fallout
This strategic move by the Congress, while intended to uphold secular values, may have unforeseen consequences. The BJP’s narrative that the Congress is engaging in appeasement politics could resonate with certain voter segments, potentially impacting the Congress’s electoral fortunes.
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