News Brief
West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Labels Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration As "Gimmick Show" By BJP Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata (Biswarup Ganguly/Wikimedia Commons)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a political spectacle with the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Speaking at a public program in South 24 Parganas district, Banerjee voiced her commitment to festivities that bring people from diverse communities together, firmly expressing her disapproval of celebrations that exclude any segment.
"I believe in festivities that take along people from all communities and speak about unity. The BJP is doing it (Ram mandir inauguration) under court instruction but doing it before Lok Sabha polls is a gimmick show," she said.
"I don't believe in dividing people on religious lines," Banerjee asserted, emphasising her stance against religious polarisation, as reported by Deccan Herald.
She characterised the Ram Mandir's inauguration as a strategic move by the BJP, suggesting it was timed to garner political mileage before the upcoming elections.
The series of attacks on Ram Temple's inauguration is not new with many political leaders in the past making similar comments.
Badaruddin Ajmal, the leader of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), had urged the Muslim community in Assam to avoid train travel this month to prevent 'any untoward incident.'
Also, addressing an event commemorating the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, Prof. Chandrashekhar expressed his support for RJD MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh's remarks on the Ram temple, stating that it could lead to "mental slavery."
The inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is slated for 22 January, with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures expected at the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony.
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