Assam: Who authorized BJP-RSS for Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratistha' invitation, questions Bhupen Borah

Assam State Congress president Bhupen Borah on January 11 questioned the authority of the BJP and RSS in extending invitations for the 'pran pratistha' of the Ram Mandir. "Is Ram Mandir BJP's property? Does Ram Mandir belong to any political party?" he questioned, asserting that the iconic temple belongs to everyone.

Borah also commented on the upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, announcing that the final list of candidates for the Barpeta and Dhubri Lok Sabha constituencies would be disclosed during the yatra on January 25 and 26. Expressing concerns over permissions, he revealed that the Assam government has not granted permission for the halt of Rahul Gandhi's container vehicle during the yatra, and the party is set to meet with authorities to address the issue.

"We will start the yatra from January 18; anything may come up, but the yatra will not stop," Borah asserted. He expressed frustration over the denial of permissions, emphasizing that the yatra is not just political but a public program addressing people's issues.

Addressing the Ram Mandir invitation, Bhupen Borah stated firmly, "Nobody should invite us for Ram Mandir 'pran pratistha'. Ram Mandir belongs to everyone. I will also go to Ram Mandir, Kamakhya, Batadrava Than – should someone give me an invitation or what?"

Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that the Assam government denied night-stay permissions at public grounds for its leaders in two districts during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia accused the BJP of declining their democratic right to hold a march.

"We are not aware of the position in other districts as the application process was done online, and we have not heard yet. We are now seeking support from individuals and private firms for using their grounds for night halts," Saikia stated.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, will cover 6,713 km in 67 days, passing through 110 districts in 15 states. The yatra aims to highlight economic, social, and political justice and make people aware of their constitutional rights. The Congress, preparing for the journey, remains undeterred despite challenges to secure necessary permissions.