Uddhav camp taunts BJP over Ayodhya buzz, says may declare Lord Ram as poll candidate

The Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya is expected to boost PM Modi and his party's chances as they fulfill one of their main poll promises.

Published on: Dec 30, 2023, 11:22:45 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party over the politicization of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying the only thing left for the BJP is to announce Lord Ram as their candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Raut's remarks came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the riverside town of Uttar Pradesh, where he is scheduled to launch several mega projects.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. (HT PHOTO)

“Now, the only thing left is that the BJP will announce that Lord Ram will be their candidate for the elections. So much politics is being done in the name of Lord Ram,” Raut, known for his no-holds-barred comments, told reporters.

Raut earlier said the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 was a "BJP event" and not a national one.

Responding to a query on whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray would take part in the idol consecration ceremony, he said, “Thackeray will definitely go but only after the BJP's event gets over. Why should one go to a BJP event? It is not a national event. The BJP is holding rallies and campaigning a lot for this function but where is the purity in it.”

Narendra Modi Ayodhya visit LIVE

Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate projects totalling ₹11,000 crore in Ayodhya, including a new airport and revamped railway station ahead of the consecration ceremony of the long-anticipated temple in January. The airport, whose facade will mirror temple architecture, has been developed in anticipation of an increase in tourism to the city, according to a government statement.

Ayodhya has undergone a facelift over the past few years as authorities widened roads and built bridges and highways ahead of an anticipated influx of Hindu pilgrims.

“Our government is committed to developing international-standard infrastructure, improving connectivity and revamping civic facilities while confirming the rich history and heritage of Lord Shri Ram’s Ayodhya,” Modi said in a post on X.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.