• By Vivek Raj
  • Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:27 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that he will not attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22, citing a lack of invitation. Despite being urged to block his schedule for the event, Kejriwal revealed his plans to visit Ayodhya with his family after the grand ceremony concludes. This marks the first time he has publicly addressed his intentions regarding the consecration ceremony, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders.

In a statement, Kejriwal mentioned receiving a letter last week advising him to keep his schedule free for January 22. However, he asserted that no formal invitation has been received yet, and many of his allies have already declined invitations for the event.

"I was asked to keep my schedule free on January 22, but no invitation has come yet. The letter mentioned that only one person has to come in view of security and VIP movement. They had said that a final invitation would be given by their team but we did not receive it," he said.

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"I want to visit Ayodhya with my entire family, my parents are very keen to go. But despite no invitation, I will go to Ayodhya. I will leave after January 22 with my wife, children, and parents," added the Chief Minister.

Kejriwal expressed his desire to visit Ayodhya with his family, particularly his parents who are keen to see the temple. Despite not receiving an invitation, he declared his intention to go to Ayodhya after January 22 along with his wife, children, and parents.

The Chief Minister also addressed senior citizens, discussing the weekly pilgrim trains departing from Delhi to various religious destinations. "Every week, a train with pilgrims leaves from Delhi for either Puri, Rameswaram, Shirdi, or Dwarkadhish. There are 12-13 such places. I try to come and meet you all before the journey."

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Several senior opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Sharad Pawar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Uddhav Thackeray, have declined invitations for the consecration event, criticising the BJP's politicisation of the event.