News Brief
'How Can I Refuse Putra-Dharma': Congress Minister In Himachal Pradesh Defies Party, Plans To Attend Ayodhya Ram Temple Event
Nayan Dwivedi
Jan 11, 2024, 02:11 PM | Updated 02:10 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In a notable departure from the Congress high command's decision to abstain from the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration on 22 January, Himachal Pradesh's Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, stands firm in his commitment to attend the historic ceremony.
Asserting his visit as a son's moral duty to honour his late father's devout connection with Lord Ram, Singh, while opposing RSS-VHP and BJP ideologies, clarifies his allegiance to the Congress ideology, reported Indian Express.
“I remain committed to my earlier statement. I intend to visit Ayodhya not as a politician but as the son of the late Virbhadra Singh, a devout follower of Lord Ram. It’s my moral duty as his son to attend. How can I refuse this putra-dharma (son’s duty)?” he said.
Also Read: Amid India-Maldives Diplomatic Row, 'Pro-China' Muizzu Government Inks 20 Key Agreement With China
Similarly, another state minister, Anirudh Singh, expresses his intent to visit Ayodhya in February, reflecting the deep-rooted religious sentiments prevalent in Himachal Pradesh.
Local leaders argue that while the BJP exploits the Ram temple issue for political gains, maintaining reverence for its religious significance is crucial, steering clear of political polarisation.
While some interpret these ministers' decisions as a deviation from the Congress central leadership's stance, the party may face challenges in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In a region where sentiments around the Ram temple hold substantial sway, the Congress's nuanced approach will be closely watched.
Also Read: Singapore Mulls Recruiting Auxiliary Police Officers From India, China Amid Shrinking Workforce
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.