THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Congress faces internal discord regarding its involvement in the upcoming Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration ceremony ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The invitation extended to key leaders has sparked a rift within the party.

Former KPCC presidents, VM Sudhiran and K Muralidharan publicly declared their decision not to attend the event. KPCC president K Sudhakaran expressed a nuanced stance citing that individual leaders could choose to accept or decline the invitation. However, opposition leader VD Satheesan has refrained from publicly stating his position.

Numerous leaders have reportedly advised National General Secretary KC Venugopal against Congress participation in the ceremony. This advice has left both state and national leadership in a dilemma. Some senior leaders advocate for the Congress, a secular party, to safeguard faith irrespective of its affiliation. There are concerns that attendance might alienate certain factions close to the Congress including the League.

KC Venugopal vehemently rejected attempts to politicize the ceremony emphasizing that the BJP's attempt to ensnare the Congress would fail. Meanwhile, K Muralidharan conveyed a decision pending consultation with the constituent parties of the India Front.

Amidst the uncertainty, Sudhakaran called for the AICC to take a definitive stance on participating in the ceremony. He highlighted the need for clarification following K Muralidharan MP's assertion about the Kerala unit's inclination against attendance.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary have received invitations for the event on January 22. However, several opposition parties like the CPM, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray faction, Trinamool Congress, JDU, RJD and Forward Block have hinted at boycotting the function. The Samajwadi Party though not yet invited is anticipated to attend upon receiving the letter.

While senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh advocates attending the function, the Kerala and West Bengal units have expressed objections. The Uttar Pradesh unit leans toward participation fearing backlash for being labeled anti-Hindu if they decline but potentially falling into a BJP trap if they attend.

Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray faction's Sanjay Raut criticized the event's sanctity on the Pratishtha day but plans to visit Ayodhya after the BJP-organized ceremony.

Amidst growing criticism and internal dissent, Sudhakaran stressed the necessity for AICC to provide clarity on the Congress's participation in the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration ceremony.