Communist leaders like Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat have turned down the invitations extended to them by the Ram Mandir Trust for the consecration of the Ramjanmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya to be held on 22 January, 2024. These leaders claim that the event has been politicised and the presence of the Prime Minister on the occasion violates the ‘secular’ nature of India’s constitution. They have not explained why, then, do governments control Hindu temples, even in Left run Kerala.
At least the Communists have made clear their position on the event, with most of them being self-declared atheists anyway. Leaders of other parties are, however, confused about their stand. They naturally would hate to be part of any event that puts Prime Minister Narendra Modi centre-stage, but would also not like to be seen as anti-Ram, particularly in the ‘Hindi Heartland’. Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjuna Kharge are said to be in a quandary as, reportedly, ‘Muslim’ voters could get alienated if they go. According to reports, some seven thousand people have been invited, including three thousand luminaries from the fields of politics, sports, films, etc. Hopefully, the list includes writers, historians, poets, and artists, irrespective of their beliefs, so that they can absorb, firsthand, the ambience of an historic event for future creative use.
It is strange that politicians and intellectuals are confused about India’s secularism. It has been made amply clear that it is not a separation of the ‘state and church’ as envisaged in certain countries, but ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhav’ – acknowledgement of the truth in all religions. Mahatma Gandhi was one of its strongest advocates. So, leaders holding constitutional posts are not supposed to distance themselves from religion, but be respectful towards them. An understanding of this can be had from the culture existent in India’s Armed Forces, under which COs, belonging to no matter what faith, preside over the religious practices of their regiments.
Also, even though it is the Trust that is sending out the invites, the Host is Ram, before whom nobody’s ego exists. Those who have been summoned will be present, as Meenakshi Lekhi has said (though with a different motive). It seems the SP leadership has been ignored by the Trust for obvious reasons, but Dimple Yadav has very gracefully stated she will pay obeisance, later, as an ordinary pilgrim. A true devotee of Ram.
