Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his absence from the upcoming Ram Temple idol-installation ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, citing a lack of invitation. In a subtle jab at the BJP, Tharoor emphasized his view of religion as a personal matter and criticized the politicization of temples.
Tharoor took to X to share his perspective, stating, “Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadn’t been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use.”
Without directly naming the BJP, Tharoor pointed out that the media’s extensive coverage of the event played into the hands of those seeking political gains. He highlighted the need to focus on critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, public welfare, and national security instead of allowing temples to divert attention.
“Temples are not the government’s business; unemployment, inflation, public welfare, and national security are. But the media allows the temple to turn the focus away from those issues,” Tharoor added.
The Ram Temple event, scheduled for January 22, has invited thousands, including politicians, Bollywood celebrities, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tharoor’s comments echo sentiments shared by his party colleague Sam Pitroda, emphasizing the separation of religion from political affairs.
Pitroda, in a recent statement, stressed the importance of addressing issues like employment, inflation, science, and technology, urging a focus on genuine concerns rather than the political use of religious events.
As political figures navigate their attendance at the Ayodhya ceremony, the debate surrounding the intersection of religion and politics continues to draw attention, raising questions about the prioritization of national issues over symbolic events.