Not yet invited for Ram Mandir consecration, says Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed that he was not yet invited to consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated for January 22. CM said he would consider attending much-awaited event after getting an invite.

When reporters asked if he would attend ceremony, Siddaramaiah quipped, "Till today I have not got an invitation. If an invitation comes, I will look into it."

Recently, Siddaramaiah through a tweet, blamed BJP and RSS for converting a religious ceremony (consecration of Ram Mandir) into a state-sponsored event.

General Secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) wrote, " CPI(M) policy has been to respect religious beliefs & safeguarding right of every individual to pursue ir belief. Religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. This is a State sponsored function in presence of PM & UP CM."

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has been inviting several prominent personalities and political leers of country for grand event.

Congress, however, on Friday, said it will decide at an 'appropriate time' on wher party president Mallikarjun Kharge and parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will attend consecration ceremony.

Earlier in day, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray said while he h not received any invitation for ceremony, he stated that he didn't need an invitation to visit temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Presh Chief Minister Yogi ityanath and over 6,000 people are expected to attend consecration ceremony.

(with PTI inputs)