The CPI (Maoist) was the first to decline the invitation to attend the Ayodhya event. The Trinamool Congress, which sees the formation of the BJP as a major threat, also strongly criticized the temple event. Incidentally, at least two Congress leaders — Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh and former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Nirmal Khatri — attended the Ayodhya event. In Kerala, the Congress, cornered by an aggressive BJP, was divided over its participation in the Ayodhya event. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray – UBT) offered prayers at the Kalaram temple in Nashik, the place where Lord Rama is said to have stayed during his exile.

Source: Indian Express January 22, 2024 19:52 UTC