NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Congress party on Sunday, expressing disappointment over its absence at the recent ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Addressing a gathering in Guwahati, PM Modi criticized the party for a perceived lack of understanding and respect for places of worship, accusing them of setting a trend of being ‘ashamed’ of their own culture.
“Unfortunately, those in power for a long time after Independence did not understand the importance of our holy sites. They made a trend out of the practice of being ashamed of one’s own culture and past for political gains,” PM Modi remarked during his speech. The Prime Minister’s comments were directed at the prominent figures from the Congress, including the party’s chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Sonia Gandhi, who declined invitations to the Ayodhya ceremony.
The snub by the Congress leadership and several opposition figures triggered criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with PM Modi emphasizing the disregard for the nation’s Sanatan culture. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya marked the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla, a significant event for the Hindu community.
During his address in Guwahati, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 11,599 crore, including the Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana. “I am fortunate to dedicate projects for Assam with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya. The inauguration of projects worth Rs 11,000 crore will strengthen connectivity in Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast with other countries of South Asia. These projects will increase employment opportunities in the tourism sector as well,” he stated.
PM Modi also highlighted his visit to the Kamakhya Temple, expressing the divinity of the holy site. “When it is completed, the project will fill the devotees of Maa Kamakhya from all over the country and the world with immense joy,” he added.
The Prime Minister arrived in Guwahati on Saturday evening, staying overnight at the State Guest House. He met with the office bearers of the BJP’s state core committee, discussing party affairs during his visit.
