Addressing a gathering, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar expressed his concerns about the current state of politics in India, emphasizing the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Pawar commented that the focus on the temple event is overshadowing critical issues like social inequality.
He pointed out that ancient texts such as ‘Manusmruti’ have contributed to societal disparities, attributing the rise in inequality to these texts. Pawar went on to criticize the prevailing caste system, stating that it has harmed Hinduism as a religion.
“Currently, politics has started over (Ram) temple in the country. Efforts are being made in a planned way to formulate a public opinion (for it). Dates have been announced for (consecration ceremony of) the Ram Mandir,” Mr Pawar said.
He also voiced his discontent about the way ruling parties are emphasizing the temple event, overshadowing other important matters. Pawar’s remarks shed light on the complexities of the socio-political landscape in India, urging for a broader perspective beyond religious events.
“But rulers are putting forth before the people that this is the only important thing. I think it is not proper,”
During the same event, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reiterated his commitment to Hindutva but emphasized his disagreement with the BJP’s version of it.
Thackeray clarified his stance, stating that he has severed ties with the BJP but remains devoted to the principles of Hindutva. These statements reflect the nuanced dynamics within political parties, highlighting the diverse interpretations of ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
In a significant step towards the consecration (pran-pratistha) ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust orchestrated the ‘akshat puja,’ featuring 1,000 kilograms of rice, as one of the initial rituals. The rice, a symbolic offering, will be infused with turmeric and desi ghee, then placed in brass pots, and subsequently, it will be entrusted to 200 dedicated volunteers from RSS and VHP.
These volunteers will disperse the blessed rice nationwide before the scheduled consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024.
To ensure its widespread reach, an additional 100 quintals of rice will be added before being distributed among the residents in over five lakh villages across the country. This initiative aims to extend the sacred ‘akshat’ ceremony to both rural and urban areas, using the same blessed rice that will be utilized at the Ram Temple, thereby spreading the divine message among the masses. Additionally, the organizers have printed over two crore leaflets in regional languages, which will be dispatched to every household along with the sanctified rice, further enhancing the outreach and awareness about this auspicious event.