Uddhav Thackeray Urges President Droupadi Murmu for Ayodhya Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony

Mumbai:  Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be performed by President Droupadi Murmu, citing it as a matter of “national pride and the country’s self-respect.” Mr. Thackeray expressed this demand during a press conference and emphasized the historical significance of the event.

In a bold move, Mr. Thackeray announced plans to invite President Murmu to the Kalaram temple in Nashik, where he is scheduled to pay a visit on January 22, coinciding with the Ayodhya temple consecration ceremony. Earlier, he had declared that on the same day, he and his party leaders would visit the historic Kalaram temple and perform a ‘maha aarti’ on the banks of the Godavari river.

Drawing parallels with the restoration of the Somnath temple in Gujarat, Mr. Thackeray pointed out that the formal restoration ceremony was conducted by the country’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Given the national significance of the Ayodhya Ram temple, he urged that the consecration ceremony follow a similar protocol with President Murmu at the helm.

“Ayodhya Ram temple is a matter of national pride and is related to the country’s self-respect. The consecration ceremony should be held by President Murmu,” stated Mr. Thackeray.

A delegation representing the Ram Temple Trust recently extended a formal invitation to President Murmu to attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The delegation comprised key figures from various organizations, including Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) working president Alok Kumar, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Ram Lal, and Ram temple construction committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra.

In addition to these developments, Mr. Thackeray shared plans to felicitate Shiv Sainiks who actively participated in the ‘kar seva’ during the historic events of 1992. The felicitation ceremony is set to take place in Nashik as part of the broader celebration.

As the nation eagerly anticipates the consecration of the Ayodhya Ram temple, the involvement of President Murmu in the ceremony adds a distinctive dimension, emphasizing the unity and diverse representation surrounding this monumental event.