Daijiworld Media Network - Ayodhya
Ayodhya, Jun 30: A political controversy erupted in Ayodhya on Tuesday after Congress leaders alleged they were prevented from offering prayers at the Ram Temple, while the BJP accused the Opposition party of attempting to politicise the issue.
Congress MP Kishori Lal Sharma claimed that he was not allowed to enter the temple for darshan and was instead escorted by police and district officials to the airport.
"They did not allow me to have darshan. The police and administration forcibly took me to the airport. They may stop me today, but I will return tomorrow, and if they stop me then, I will come again the next day," Sharma told reporters.
He said he had even offered to leave behind his identity card and visit the temple as an ordinary devotee, but alleged that the administration refused to permit him.
"They created unnecessary drama here," the Congress MP added.
The controversy follows reports that Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was placed under house arrest ahead of his proposed visit to the Ram Temple. The Congress alleged that Rai and a delegation of party leaders were prevented from reaching the shrine.
Reacting to the development, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam accused the BJP government of acting out of political insecurity.
He claimed the state government was treating opposition leaders differently, pointing out that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had previously visited the Ram Temple with police security.
"When Congress leaders decide to visit the temple, they are placed under house arrest. This reflects the BJP's fear. Does our faith not matter?" Gautam said.
The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations and accused the Congress of trying to create a political controversy at a time when investigations are underway into the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple.
Meanwhile, Congress workers staged a protest outside Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology in Ayodhya.
Former Ayodhya Congress district president Akhilesh Yadav said party workers would continue their peaceful demonstration until Ajay Rai and other Congress leaders were allowed to offer prayers at the temple.
"He has decided that we will not leave until our leaders are permitted to have darshan of Lord Ram. This is a temple, not the BJP's party office," Yadav said while questioning why Congress leaders were being denied entry.
No official statement explaining the restrictions imposed on the Congress leaders had been issued by the local administration at the time of filing this report.