PM Modi Praises Ansari Family's Acceptance of Ram Mandir Invite, Criticizes Congress Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the acceptance of the Ram Mandir invitation by the Ansari family, who had previously opposed the Babri Masjid demolition, in contrast with the rejection and alleged abuse of Hindu beliefs by Congress leaders. Speaking at a public event, Modi praised Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, for attending the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, despite his family's long-standing opposition to the demolition of the mosque.

The Prime Minister contrasted the Ansari family's gesture with the absence of Congress and other opposition leaders at the event, despite receiving invitations. "The Ansari family fought against Hindus in the court for centuries, but they still welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict in favor of Hindus and attended the Ram Mandir ceremony," Modi said. "On the other hand, Congress leaders not only rejected the invitation but also allegedly abused Hindu beliefs."

Modi accused the Congress party and its former president Rahul Gandhi of lacking confidence in winning the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and resorting to threats. He framed the upcoming elections as a choice between Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a developed and self-reliant India and the opposition's alleged lack of a coherent development agenda. The Prime Minister also criticized the opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the INDIA alliance, for not attending the Ram Mandir event and for their criticism of the 'Surya Tilak' ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya, labeling it as hypocrisy.

Why this matters: The Prime Minister's remarks emphasize the political and religious tensions surrounding the Ram Mandir issue and the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The contrast drawn between the Ansari family's acceptance and the opposition's rejection of the Ram Mandir invite highlights the deep divisions in Indian politics and society.

In his speech, Modi also defended India's decision to buy oil from Russia, stating it was in the national interest to ensure affordable oil and fertilizers for the people. He accused the opposition of weakening India's defense sector and creating obstacles in the procurement of Rafale fighter jets. The Prime Minister emphasized his government's commitment to the welfare of the poor, including the extension of the free ration scheme for 80 crore beneficiaries. He asserted that the ongoing Lok Sabha election is about making India a global power in the next five years and that a strong and stable government is needed in view of the prevailing global situation.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi praised Ansari family for attending Ram Mandir event, unlike Congress leaders.
• Modi accused Congress of lacking confidence and resorting to threats in Lok Sabha polls.
• PM defended India's decision to buy oil from Russia, citing national interest.
• Modi criticized opposition for weakening India's defense sector and Rafale procurement.
• PM asserted Lok Sabha polls are about making India a global power in 5 years.