“LK Advani-Manohar Joshi asked not to attend consecration ceremony in Ayodhya”: Champat Rai

The grand consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next month will not be attended by BJP heavyweights, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi, the temple trust announced on Monday.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, stated that due to their advanced age and health, Advani (96) and Joshi (90) were asked not to attend the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024.

Advani and Joshi led the Ram Temple movement, which resulted in a historic decision on November 9, 2019, by a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, resolving the decades-long title dispute case in favour of the Hindus.

“Both are elders in the (Sangh) family and considering their age, they have been requested not to come (to Ayodhya for the consecration event). Both have accepted our request,” Rai told reporters here on Monday.

“The puja for Pran Pratishtha will begin on January 16 and will continue till January 22, 2024,” the general secretary of the temple trust, informed.

On January 22, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to witness the installation of the Ram Lalla idol at the grand temple. The event, is expected to attract dignitaries and people from all walks of life. Preparation for the event is going on.

Also Read: Watch: Bridge where vehicles don’t run, but people live; video viral