Prominent Congress Leader Breaks Ranks, Attends Ayodhya Ceremony
In a surprising turn of events, Vikramaditya Singh, a prominent Congress leader and minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, defied his party’s official stance on the Ram Temple inauguration. While top Congress leaders boycotted the event, Singh made a visit to the holy city of Ayodhya to participate in the auspicious ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol on Monday.
Himachal Pradesh’s Distinctive Move Amid Congress Resistance
Interestingly, Himachal Pradesh, the only Congress-ruled state, took a distinctive step by declaring a half-day for all state government workers, showcasing a unique departure from the party’s overall stance.
Vikramaditya Singh: Congress Rebel Becomes ‘State Guest’ in UP
Vikramaditya Singh, the son of current Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh, grabbed headlines as he arrived in Lucknow from Chandigarh on Sunday. Despite being a Congress leader, he was treated as a ‘state guest’ by the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government.
‘A Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity’: Singh Reflects on Ayodhya Visit
Earlier, on January 8, Singh expressed that attending the Ayodhya ceremony was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” This came amidst the Congress top brass deciding to stay away from the event, denouncing it as a ‘BJP/RSS event.’
Congress Leaders Decline Ayodhya Invite
On January 10, senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined the invitation, citing the BJP’s attempt to score political points with the ceremony. The Congress labeled the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony as an “RSS and BJP event,” emphasizing their commitment to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while respecting the sentiments of Lord Ram’s devotees.
Vikramaditya Singh: Political Scion’s Background And Journey
Vikramaditya Singh, born in 1989, represents the Shimla Rural constituency as an MLA. Hailing from a political family, he is the son of the late ex-CM Virbhadra Singh, and his mother, Pratibha Singh, currently serves as the MP from Mandi and is the state Congress chief.
With a post-graduate degree in History from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, Singh served as the chief of the state youth Congress from 2013 to 2017. With two consecutive victories in the 2017 and 2023 elections, he continues to make a mark in Himachal Pradesh politics.
PM Modi Leads Sacred Rituals at Ayodhya
The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a moment of divine significance as the idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony on Monday. In the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple, PM Modi conducted the rituals, creating an atmosphere infused with deep devotion. He also took blessings from ‘sadhus’ and performed various rituals.
Presence of Distinguished Dignitaries
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath graced the ceremony, chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ along with devotees. Over 8,000 guests attended the ceremony, representing various spiritual and religious sects, including tribal communities. Prime Minister Modi addressed the distinguished gathering and interacted with the temple’s construction workers.
Architectural Marvel of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in traditional Nagara style, stands magnificently with a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of 161 feet. It boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities.
Innovative Construction Methods and Modern Amenities
The Mandir’s foundation, crafted with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), gives it the appearance of artificial rock. The absence of iron and the use of traditional indigenous technology showcase the uniqueness of the construction. The Mandir complex seamlessly blends modern amenities with traditional architecture, including a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety, and an independent power station.
Vikramaditya Singh, a prominent Congress leader from Himachal Pradesh, made headlines recently when he defied his party’s stance and attended the Ram Temple pran pratishtha (consecration) ceremony in Ayodhya. Singh’s decision to participate in the auspicious event, despite the Congress party’s opposition, showcased his strong personal beliefs and commitment to the Hindu faith. This act of defiance not only displayed Singh’s independent thinking but also sparked discussions about the party’s internal dynamics and secular credentials.
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