Congress leaders in Gujarat Criticise Party’s Stand on Ram Temple

Ahmedabad : Senior Congress leader and former Gujarat chief Arjun Modhwadia ignited internal dissent within the party with a public plea to abstain from commenting on the Ram temple. In a Twitter post on Wednesday, Modhwadia expressed disapproval of his party’s decision to decline the invitation to the Ayodhya temple’s inauguration ceremony.

His tweet, accompanied by an image of the official letter sent by the Congress party, highlighted the disconnect between the leadership and the faith of the people. “Lord Shri Ram is a revered deity for millions in India. This is a matter of faith and belief, not politics,” Modhwadia wrote. “The Congress should have avoided making such a political decision.”

Adding fuel to the fire, former MLA Ambarish Der also took to Twitter, expressing dismay at the party’s stance. “Lord Shri Ram, the embodiment of righteousness, holds a special place in the hearts of countless Indians,” Der stated. “Certain members of the Congress should refrain from divisive statements and sincerely respect public sentiment. Such statements are disheartening for many dedicated Congress workers, like myself. Jai Siya Ram.”

Modhwadia and Der’s tweets resonated with a section of Congress supporters who felt alienated by the party’s stand. The decision to decline the invitation had already drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, with accusations of disrespecting Hindu faith. Now, facing dissent from within its own ranks, the Congress leadership finds itself navigating a delicate political landscape.

The differing opinions within the party reflect the complex societal context surrounding the Ram temple. While the issue carries immense religious significance for many, others view it through a political lens, wary of its potential to further polarize communities.

Modhwadia and Der’s public pronouncements point to a potential shift within the Congress, hinting at an emerging internal faction seeking to bridge the gap between the party’s stance and the sentiments of a significant portion of its electorate.