'Those who turned down Ram Mandir invitation will be...', says PM Modi

He blamed the Congress government for allegedly destroying the seeds of development sowed by the BJP in Karnataka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on April 28 that those who declined the invitation to the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya would face rejection by the people in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He appeared to be referring to the Congress party for its absence at the event.

PM Modi criticised the delay in making a decision on constructing the Ram temple, suggesting it should have been made soon after the country's independence.

Directing his criticism towards the Congress, PM Modi alleged that the "same forces" persistently attempted to hinder the construction of the Ram temple, even going to court on the final day.

"The Congress and its associates strived for 70 years to prevent the building of the Ram temple," the Prime Minister stated during a public address in Uttara Kannada district.

Despite the obstacles, PM Modi highlighted the gesture of the Ram temple trustees in extending invitations to Congress leaders, who ultimately declined. In contrast, he commended the Ansari family, traditionally opposed to the Ram temple, for attending the ceremony.

"They rejected the Ram temple inauguration invitation. The country will reject those who turned down the Ram temple invitation," he said.

He underscored that the Ram temple was constructed with the funds of devotees, not government resources.

PM Modi told the audience about another significant development, describing it as "surprising." He recounted how the Ansari family, which had opposed the construction of the Ram temple for generations and advocated for a Babri Masjid at the same site, enthusiastically embraced the invitation to participate in the consecration ceremony.

"The Congress and its coterie rejected the invitation by the Ram temple trustees to attend the consecration. Though Muslim, the Ansari family attended the consecration of the temple and were present throughout the event. Later, they gave a small idol of Lord Ram made of wood to his (Ansari) gunman. This is the difference," the prime minister said.

Accusing the Congress of fostering an anti-social and anti-national mindset, the Prime Minister pointed to incidents like the murder of Neha Hiremath in Hubballi and highlighted the decline in law and order under the Congress government in Karnataka.

He also referenced past terrorist attacks and contrasted the situation before and after 2014, emphasising the transformation in India's approach towards terrorism, particularly through surgical strikes.