The AAP Initiates a Three-Day Ramlila Preceding Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony Today
- Posted on January 20, 2024
- Religious
- By Arijit Dutta
- 284 Views
Delhi's three-day Ramlila event sparks a political tussle between AAP and BJP over the venue, Bharat Mandapam, ahead of the Ram temple consecration. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claims non-receipt of an invitation, while Saurabh Bharadwaj accuses the BJP-led central government of denying permission, citing petty politics.

The
Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is set to host a grand
three-day Ramlila event from today, January 20, leading up to the consecration
ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The announcement initiated a heated
exchange between AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the choice
of venue, Bharat Mandapam.
According to a statement from the Delhi government, the 'Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra' will showcase a live three-hour Ramlila performance at the Pearey Lal Auditorium near ITO, scheduled from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm until January 22. The event will culminate simultaneously with the Ram temple consecration ceremony, hosting dignitaries from various fields, including political leaders.
Delhi
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal revealed that he had not received an invitation
for the Ayodhya ceremony and expressed plans to visit Ayodhya with his family
post the Ramlila event. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the BJP-led
central government, alleging denial of permission to hold Ramlila at Bharat
Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.
Bharadwaj
accused the BJP of playing a double game, claiming to be devotees of Lord Ram
while obstructing the people of Delhi from enjoying the grand Ramlila. The
Delhi government's Hindi Academy department had diligently worked on the plan
to ensure maximum public participation in the Ramlila.
However,
the Delhi BJP defended its stance, citing the India Trade Promotion
Organisation's policy of not allotting the venue for religious functions. They
clarified that the decision was based on a policy, not politics, emphasizing
the impartiality of the Bharat Mandapam's usage. The clash reveals the
intersection of politics, culture, and religious sentiments, creating a vibrant
spectacle in the heart of Delhi.