Will Congress leaders attend Ram Mandir consecration ceremony: Here’s what party said

Delhi: Responding to the invitation by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, the Congress party said that it was thankful for the invitation. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi and the party's leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on December 21. 

Asked whether the party leaders would attend the ceremony, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal told a press conference, "You will know about the party's stand. You will know on January 22 about the participation." "They have invited us, we are very much thankful to them for inviting us, let us (see)," he said.

Digvijaya Singh says Sonia Gandhi positive about Ram mandir 

Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh claimed that the Congress has no objections with the consecration and inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Digvijaya Singh, confirming the invitation to Ram Mandir consecration ceremony said that either CCP chairperson Sonia Gandhi will herself attend the consecration or a delegation of leaders will represent the Congress party. 

"What objection can be there? Sonia ji is very positive on this matter. Either Sonia ji will go or a delegation from the party will go,” said Digvijaya Singh. 

Ayodhya gears up for consecration of Ram Mandir 

Apart from Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, leaders of all political parties have been invited for the consecration.  Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda have also received invitations for the function. 

In the new Teerthakshetrapuram (Bag Bijaisi), a Tent City has been established which includes six tubewells, six kitchen houses, and a hospital with ten beds, the Trust has said. Approximately 150 doctors from around the country have agreed to provide their services in rotation at this hospital. About 4,000 saints from different sects have been invited to participate in the ceremony, the Trust has said. 

(With PTI inputs)