Contrary to previous reports, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Amrit Mahotsava, being organised by the VHP in Ayodhya on June 20.
BJP sources had said Modi would take part in the function in the temple town as part of a plan to bolster his image as the new Hindu mascot. However, some party leaders described Modi’s decision to give the Mahotsav a miss as a wise move, considering that such a visit could reinforce his image as a “communal leader”.
The Sangh Pariwar has already announced a programme to revive the Ram mandir movement. At a recent meeting in Haridwar, the VHP-Bajrang Dal combine announced that a campaign for the construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya would begin in September.
The BJP has so far distanced itself from the VHP programme. Hundreds of sadhus would be attending the function being held to mark the completion of Sri Ram Janam Bhoomi trust chairman Nritya Gopal Das’ 50 years as a mahant.