The forthcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, has stirred a blend of anticipation and controversy, drawing a diverse guest list encompassing political leaders, celebrities, and business magnates from across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled speech at the auspicious event amplifies the significance of the ceremony, with preparations underway to mark this historic occasion. A myriad of luminaries, including esteemed cricketers, iconic film personalities, notable industrialists, and revered seers, are poised to grace the occasion.
The guest list comprises illustrious names from various realms:
Film Industry:
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Rajinikanth
- Madhuri Dixit
- Anupam Kher
- Akshay Kumar
- Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- Chiranjeevi
- Mohanlal
- Dhanush
- Rishab Shetty
- Madhur Bhandarkar
- Ranbir Kapoor
- Alia Bhatt
- Ajay Devgn
- Sunny Deol
- Prabhas
- Yash
- Tiger Shroff
- Ayushmann Khurrana
- Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia Topiwala (portrayed Ram and Sita in the 1987 series Ramayan)
Industrialists:
- Mukesh Ambani
- Anil Ambani
- Gautam Adani
- Ratan Tata
Sports Icons:
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Virat Kohli
Political Figures:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge
- Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi
- Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
- Manmohan Singh
- HD Deve Gowda
- LK Advani (BJP Veteran)
- Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP)
However, amidst the extensive invitee list, notable absentees have sparked their share of controversies:
Absentees and Controversies:
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar disclosed not receiving an invitation, alleging political motives behind the event, stating, “BJP is doing politics in the name of Ram temple.”
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his desire to visit the Ram temple on a different day, distancing himself from the ceremony’s political implications.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her unlikelihood to attend the event, signaling a political stance amidst her absence.
- Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its leaders have refrained from participating, citing concerns over the fusion of religion and politics.
The absence of certain political figures and parties has sparked debates about the nexus between religion and politics. While some leaders and parties choose to distance themselves, citing concerns about leveraging religious sentiments for political gains, the ceremony continues to garner attention as a significant milestone in India’s socio-political narrative.
As the event approaches, the guest list dynamics and the presence or absence of key figures continue to underscore the complex interplay between religion, politics, and public representation in India’s diverse and vibrant landscape.
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