New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Reports indicate that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, may soon visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In response, the BJP claimed on Tuesday that Gandhi had never visited the temple before, suggesting that if he does so now, it would merely be for photographs and publicity, which the Congress party would exploit for political advantage.

Chhattisgarh's Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao criticized Gandhi, stating, “Their distorted mentality and recurring hatred towards Lord Ram and the symbols of Sanatan Dharma are evident. The reality is that Lord Ram resides within every aspect of India and worldwide. Devotees of Sanatan Dharma possess profound devotion and unwavering faith in Lord Ram.

Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal also took a jab at LoP Gandhi, remarking, “Lord Ram recognizes who is a genuine devotee and who is insincere. Those who visit temples solely for political theatrics are not true devotees.”

BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha questioned Gandhi's priorities and timing. “First, he should return from his travels in Vietnam, Germany, and South America; perhaps then he will find the time. Even two years post the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Gandhi has not deemed it necessary to visit Ayodhya, which is merely 125 km from his constituency.

“No significant message will arise from such a visit, nor will his faith be reignited. If he does go, it will require considerable effort, as devotion does not come easily to him. Should he visit, it will be merely for photographs, which the Congress will utilize for publicity.

“During the Pran Pratishtha, he did not engage in any rituals. I think Rahul Gandhi should prioritize his international trips for now,” stated Sinha.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also weighed in, stating, “Modi hai to mumkin hai. The same individual who previously claimed ‘Rome, Rome’ is now exclaiming ‘Ram, Ram’. Those who once dismissed Lord Ram as imaginary now wish to visit His temple. What better turn of events could there be?

“Nonetheless, before his visit, he should apologize for his mother’s comments labeling Lord Ram as imaginary. He should also express regret for the Congress' remarks regarding the Ram Mandir and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.”

Another BJP spokesperson, Syed Zafar Islam, stated, “Faith is personal, yet many individuals pose as genuine believers. When faith is involved, a considerable segment of the public views Rahul Gandhi as a fraud.”

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo mentioned that while Rahul Gandhi is free to visit the Ram Temple, his intentions are under scrutiny.

“Anyone can visit the Ram Temple. Sanatan Dharma is resilient and inclusive. It does not inquire about one’s ancestry or religious background,” he affirmed.

On the other hand, Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo provided a contrasting viewpoint, saying, “I have not visited either, as it has become somewhat of a spectacle. Historically, the Ram Janmabhoomi site hosted numerous platforms. Thirty-one years ago, I read in a prominent national publication about 60 to 70 platforms linked to people’s faith in Ram Janmabhoomi and Lord Ram’s birthplace, which served as centers for profound belief and understanding related to Lord Ram's birth. Unfortunately, these matters became embroiled in a broader dispute.”

It's noteworthy that in 2016, Rahul Gandhi prayed at the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya, becoming the first member of the Nehru-Gandhi family to visit the sacred city following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.