JD(U) MP Slams Invitations to Ram Temple Event: 'Is It Someone's Wedding Or Shraadh?'

JD(U) MP Kaushlendra Kumar has sparked controversy by questioning the need for invitations to the much-anticipated Ram Temple consecration ceremony. He likened the event to a 'shraadh' and wondered if it was a wedding or funeral that required invitations. Kumar stated, "Is it somebody's son's wedding that an invitation is being extended? If they won't invite me, will I not go to Ayodhya?... What is the need for this invitation? Is it someone's father's 'shraadh' or somebody's son's wedding? The one who is inviting is a fool. Ayodhya belongs to everyone, if someone is trying to capture it won't happen."

Kumar also took a subtle jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that those who visit Ayodhya without their wives won't benefit in the 2024 elections. He said, "Such people are arriving there on January 22 where both husbands and wives will seek blessings from Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. If someone goes there without Sita, they too won't benefit in 2024."

Responding to Kumar's comments, the chief priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, criticized him, stating, "He himself is a fool... A fool who has no knowledge will always use such language... He should keep his foolishness to himself."

The controversy over invitations to the consecration ceremony has become a political issue. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also expressed dissatisfaction at not receiving an invitation, asserting that he could visit the temple town anytime without one. Acharya Satyendra Das countered Thackeray, stating that invitations were sent only to "devotees of Lord Ram."

Over 7,000 guests, including 3,000 VVIPs, priests, donors, and politicians, have received invitation cards for the ceremony. Tent cities are being set up in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees expected for the pran-pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22.