"Congress did not deserve invitation to Ram Temple consecration": Assam CM

Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress senior leaders for declining the invitation to the Ram Temple consecration, asserting that the party's historical opposition to the Ram Mandir project made them undeserving of the invitation. 

Sarma accused Congress of being anti-Hindu and suggested that accepting the invitation could have been a symbolic apology to the Hindu community.

Comparing Congress to Pt Nehru's stance on the Somnath Temple, Sarma argued that the party continues to be judged as anti-Hindu for its refusal to participate in the Ram Temple ceremony. 

Earlier, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge announced their decision to skip the event, deeming it primarily an RSS/BJP affair.

In response, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a statement emphasizing the party's respect for the Supreme Court's 2019 judgment and the sentiments of Lord Ram's worshippers. The party, while acknowledging the religious aspect, also highlighted perceived political motives behind the ceremony's timing.

The decision by Congress leaders to distance themselves from the Ram Temple consecration underscores the deep-seated political and religious divisions, with both parties exchanging accusations and reinforcing their distinct ideological positions.