As preparations for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony on January 22 are in full swing, political figures are engaging in a heated debate over the security arrangements for the event.
Congress leader and Member of Legislative Council, BK Hariprasad, kicked up a row and called for government protection, expressing concerns about the potential for unrest during the ceremony.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Hariprasad highlighted the fear of a situation similar to the Godhra incident and urged the government to ensure adequate protection for attendees. He asserted that the inauguration, which will be conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should not be treated as a political event, emphasising that if it were led by a religious guru, it would be more widely accepted.
Hariprasad’s statements have stirred controversy, with critics accusing him of playing politics and politicising a religious event. Senior Congress leader Hariprasad argued that the inauguration has taken a political turn, questioning the involvement of Prime Minister Modi. He argued that if the event were purely religious, the participation of religious leaders would be more fitting.
The Congress leader further drew attention to the unresolved Babri Masjid demolition case, asserting that the government should take decisive action against those responsible for the incident. He criticized the delay in resolving the case against LK Advani, highlighting the need for accountability.
In a swift and strong response, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader DV Sadananda Gowda condemned Hariprasad’s statements and accused him of potentially inciting trouble. Gowda suggested that Hariprasad should be held responsible if any untoward incidents occur during the ceremony. He called for the immediate arrest of the Congress leader and urged the Commissioner of Police to take necessary action.
The political tension has escalated, with both sides trading accusations and demanding action. As the nation anticipates the historic Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration, the focus on security concerns and the political nature of the event adds a layer of complexity to the already sensitive occasion. The government’s response to these concerns and the overall atmosphere during the ceremony will undoubtedly be closely watched by the public and political observers alike.