Ram Mandir inauguration: Away from Ayodhya, AAP celebrates Ram in Delhi

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Live: The event will witness the presence of around 7,000 VVIPs from across the nation

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, considered one of the Modi government’s strong critics, has stayed away from the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. However, that hasn't stopped the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and his party members from celebrating the event.

The AAP will conduct a ‘Shobha Yatra’ and organise community kitchens (Bhandara) in the national capital as part of the Ram Mandir consecration celebrations. Of the seventy assembly constituencies, 'Sunderkand' recitals will be held in three assembly segments.

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Additionally, the AAP government's three-day Ramlila- event at Pearey Lal Bhawan in ITO, which began on Saturday, January 20, will culminate today. The Delhi government wanted to stage events at the Bharat Mandapam, but failed to get permission for the venue from the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) that manages the facility.

Political scientists say, after failing to secure any parliamentary seats in 2014 and 2019, the AAP’s national convenor has peddled into religious politics and is following a similar path like the Bharatiya Janata Party.

They say the party’s reference to Deshbhakti curriculum, a course taught at all Delhi government schools to inculcate a sense of patriotism among students, and the launch of Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana shows its shift in politics.

“Political parties get to know ground swell very quickly and act accordingly. The opening of Ram temple has led to euphoria and common believer is feeling elated. Not only AAP, all parties of opposition bloc are playing second fiddle, showing people they are the alternative.  They are not challenging the belief, questioning the form of it,” said political commentator Rasheed Kidwai.

Chanting Jai Shri Ram before the crowd, which had gathered for Ram Leela on January 21, Kejriwal said not everyone can attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya and the Delhi government is organising events for people to take inspiration from Lord Ram.

“Lord Ram’s rule is considered ideal. Inspired by Lord Ram, we are running the government in Delhi. We have decided to ensure people don’t sleep without food and enough ration is given to people. We have pledged to provide better education to every student in Delhi,” said Arvind Kerjiwal.

'Politicising' Lord Ram

In view of the events being organised by the AAP, the BJP has accused Kejriwal of misleading people for his political gains.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who is in Ayodhya, said, “Kejriwal is part of an alliance that called Sanatan Dharma a disease and he could have easily severed his ties with him. He abused the people he is clicking pictures with. People are aware of his politics and will face repercussions also.”

Kejriwal has announced that he will visit the Ram temple with his family after the consecration ceremony is over.