NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar has been invited to attend the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024. The invite, extended by Kameshwar Chaupal, a member of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust, comes amidst ongoing controversy over the restrictive guest list for this momentous event.


Informal Visit Leads To Confusion


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Chaupal disclosed that their initial visit to Nitish Kumar was informal, causing some confusion. However, a formal letter has now been dispatched, seeking an appointment to personally extend the invitation. Chaupal emphasized the importance of obtaining the Chief Minister's permission before proceeding with the meeting. "Yesterday we had gone to meet him. We had not given prior information that we would be coming, so he left for some programme. Today we have sent him a letter (for an appointment) and after getting permission, we will meet him and invite him," Chaupal stated.


Restricted Attendance Advised


Chaupal urged citizens to refrain from flocking to Ayodhya on January 22, emphasizing the challenges it poses for security and management. He clarified that only those with invitations should attend, with a cap of 6,500 people for the event. "6500 people will be inducted on 22 January. Each and every citizen of the country has been invited to Ayodhya for the Ram temple inauguration. Just for the 22nd event, only the people with invitations should come to Ayodhya," he said.


Opposition Leaders' Response


On the opposition front, the Congress party has received invitations, and sources reveal that Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accepted. However, there is uncertainty among other opposition leaders regarding their participation in the inauguration ceremony.


Restricted Guest List Sparks Row


The decision by the Ram Temple Trust to have a restricted guest list, excluding chief ministers and governors, has stirred controversy in political circles. Leaders express dissatisfaction over their exclusion, attributing it to security challenges in managing high-profile dignitaries.


PM Modi, 4000 Saints To Attend Event


Despite the controversy, the trust has invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confirmed to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Vedic rituals for the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla will commence on January 16, with the main ceremony on January 22.


Elaborate Preparations For Jan 22 Event


Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi will lead the main rituals, with the Ayodhya festivities marking the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to January 22. A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also take place, accompanied by several tent cities in Ayodhya to accommodate devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust is arranging for 10,000-15,000 attendees, with local authorities enhancing security measures and logistical preparations for a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.