Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed support for the decision of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Sonia Gandhi, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Chowdhury, to refrain from participating in the Ram Lalla installation ceremony in Ayodhya. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the event, meant to be a religious ceremony, had been turned into a political campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of the Sangh Parivar, showing disrespect to Lord Rama and the entire nation.
He criticized BJP and RSS leaders for their silence on PM Modi’s inauguration of the incomplete Ram Temple, stating that it exposed their hypocritical version of Hindutva. Siddaramaiah affirmed the Congress’s consistent support for the construction of the Ram Temple, respecting the court’s verdict. He highlighted the hypocrisy of BJP, RSS, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders, who initially argued that the matter was one of faith, not for the court to decide, but later accepted the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Siddaramaiah expressed concern over controversial statements by the secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, stating that Shaivas and Shaktas have no rights in the Ram Temple. He viewed this as an insult to Shaiva devotees and criticized the political exploitation of the Ram Temple for divisive purposes.
Accusing PM Modi of inaugurating the incomplete Ram Temple during the election period to stir up Hindutva sentiment and divert attention from failures, Siddaramaiah urged people not to fall for this false Hindutva trap. He noted the public’s increasing scepticism regarding the accounting of donations collected in the name of bricks for the temple.
Siddaramaiah clarified that while he had participated in numerous religious events, including temple inaugurations, he opposed the use of religion for political purposes. He stressed the constitutional principle of respect for all religions and affirmed his commitment, as well as that of the Congress party, to create a peaceful coexistence of all communities in society.