Cong, allies in fix as temple politics peaks

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, JMM'S Hemant Soren unsure of attending Ayodhya ceremony while Didi lashes out at BJP

- PREETHA NAIR, NAMITA BAJPAI & MUKESH RANJAN

THE Congress found itself in a sticky situation on Thursday with some of its state units and allies upping the ante over attending the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Though three of its top leaders - Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury - have received invitation from Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Committee, the party is yet to pronounce its stand on the issue.

The confusion has enveloped some INDIA bloc partners with Samajwadi Party chief remaining ambiguous in his stance. "We belong to the legacy where temples are visited only if God summons. If Bhagwan calls, I will go," he said while interacting with media on the sidelines of a party event at SP headquarters here on Thursday.

"I leave the house after having darshan. While going down the stairs, I take darshan of God, as I step out of the gates, I take darshan of God every time.

Now, you tell me which God I should go to for darshan?" he said, replying to a question over his participation in the consecration ceremony.