As the Pran Prathistha ceremony took place in Ayodhya, several opposition leaders across the country who declined the invitation to the event either participated in related events or shared their thoughts supporting the temple. However, some leaders, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin, registered their protest against the ceremony.
In a message to the media, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of secularism in India. He stated that secularism is the soul of the democratic republic and has been part of the nation’s identity since the days of the national movement. Vijayan highlighted that the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion for all individuals. He urged those who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution to ensure that everyone in the country enjoys religious freedom equally.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee expressed his disagreement with the construction of a place of worship built on hatred, violence, and the loss of innocent lives. He emphasized that his religion does not teach him to accept and embrace such places, regardless of whether they are temples, mosques, churches, or gurudwaras.
A row erupted between the BJP and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin when the BJP quoted a statement from Stalin expressing his disagreement with the demolition of a mosque to build a temple. Udhyanidhi responded with a picture of himself wearing a T-shirt that said, “Do not know Hindi. Get lost.” This exchange highlighted the ongoing tension between the two parties.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav shared a video of Lord Ram on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect. He stated that those who respect customs, ethics, and decorum carry Lord Ram in their hearts.
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his congratulations and best wishes on the installation of the Ram idol in Ayodhya. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people of Delhi by taking inspiration from the concept of Ramrajya. Kejriwal also mentioned the organization of bhandars (stalls) across Delhi as part of the celebrations.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a Hanuman statue at an event organized by the Rama Temple Trust in the Bengaluru Rural district. He emphasized that disciples of Lord Ram are not limited to the BJP alone but also include members of the Congress party.
The official residence of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was lit up ahead of the Ayodhya ceremony, showcasing the enthusiasm and support for the event.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared a photo of himself watching the live telecast of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, indicating his interest in the historic event.
The differing opinions and reactions from opposition leaders highlight the complex and diverse perspectives surrounding the Ayodhya temple Pran Prathistha ceremony. While some leaders expressed their support, others voiced their concerns about the secular fabric of the nation and the manner in which the event was celebrated.
