Ayodhya temple inauguration: Major opposition leaders get invitation to grand opening ceremony

NEW DELHI: Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has decided to invite opposition leaders en masse to the much-awaited Ayodhya Sri Rama Temple inauguration ceremony. The trust members visited Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi at their residences to invite them to the event that is scheduled for January 22nd.

Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra, Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President Alok Kumar, RSS leader Ramlal and others reached the residences of top congress leaders on Thursday for the invitation. According to insider reports, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and her close confidants will accept the invitation. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh responded that Sonia Gandhi was in favour of the invitation letter.

Meanwhile, Digvijaya made his resentment palpable at the trust members for not inviting a true believer like him to the event. Singh said he along with other true believers such as L K Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi, have been omitted from the invitee list.

A letter was also sent to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, Singh, who is currently under treatment is not entertaining any visitors. Congress Lok Sabha Party leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary has also been invited. Aam Aadmi leader Arvind Kejriwal, BSP president Mayawati, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and CPI general secretary D. Raja may also be invited.

Governors and Chief Ministers may not be invited. After the inauguration, separate dates will be given to the states for temple darshan. Special trains may also be allowed.

It is reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive on December 30 to inaugurate the Sri Rama International Airport and Railway Station in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya yesterday and reviewed the final works and security arrangements.