Congress leader Pramod Tiwari questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the absence of Goddess Sita during the Ram Temple consecration rituals [1].
The challenge targets the religious and financial legitimacy of the Ayodhya project, suggesting that the ceremony was conducted for political gain rather than spiritual completeness.
Tiwari said the consecration ceremony was "inauspicious" because Goddess Sita was not present [1]. He alleged that the temple was completed incompletely to serve political interests, a move he suggests wounded the religious faith of millions [3].
Beyond the ritual concerns, Tiwari demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe monitored by the Supreme Court to investigate alleged embezzlement of donations linked to the temple project [2]. He said that funds meant for the shrine were misappropriated [2].
Other party members have joined the criticism. Digvijaya Singh said, "PM Modi is protecting Champat Rai in the Ram Mandir case" [1].
The controversy extended to a protest skit performed by Congress members near the Parliament building in New Delhi [3]. The performance was intended as a protest against the consecration process [3].
Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the allegations. BJP leader Smriti Irani said the skit was a mockery of the Sanatana faith and an insult to Parliament [3].
“"PM Modi is protecting Champat Rai in the Ram Mandir case,"”
This clash highlights the intersection of faith and finance in Indian politics. By questioning the ritual purity of the consecration and alleging financial misconduct, the opposition is attempting to pivot the narrative from the BJP's religious achievement to one of governance and transparency.
