Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury decline Ram Temple invitation
New Delhi: The Congress party has officially announced its decision to abstain from the grand inauguration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, characterizing it as a "political project" orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The party's leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who received invitations, have declined to attend the event.
In a statement issued by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, he emphasized the personal nature of religion but accused the BJP and RSS of turning the temple inauguration into a political venture, strategically timed for electoral gains. The Congress leaders, while acknowledging the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram and respecting the 2019 Supreme Court judgment, have chosen not to participate in what they perceive as an RSS/BJP affair.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the temple on January 22, with the event expected to draw political leaders, industrialists, actors, and other prominent personalities. The ceremony follows the recent inauguration of an international airport and the redeveloped railway station in Ayodhya, generating widespread interest and anticipation.
The refurbished temple town is making preparations to accommodate thousands of attendees on the historic day, leading to the closure of schools and colleges across Uttar Pradesh. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and in various locations abroad.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
