Veteran BJP Leaders LK Advani and MM Joshi Opt Out of Ram Temple Event: Age Takes Center Stage

New Delhi: In a surprise turn of events, respected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwarts Lal Krishna Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi will not attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya next month. As Champat Rai, general secretary of Ram Mandir Trust, said, this decision has been taken from a humble request based on the increasing age of the veteran leaders.

At 96, Advani, a founding member of the BJP, led the Ram Mandir movement in the early 1990s by starting the historic Ram Rath Yatra. Joshi, who is approaching 90, is also a founding member. Both the leaders have graciously accepted the request of the Trust, respecting their age.

The inauguration ceremony to be held on January 22 will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda will also be invited. The event is going to be a grand event with the participation of Shankaracharyas from six ancient schools, around 150 saints and seers and a distinguished guest list that includes spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama, actor Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan and yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

With preparations being completed by January 15, the celebrations will begin its rituals from January 16. A total of 4,000 saints and 2,200 other guests, including heads of major temples, have been invited. Advani and Joshi’s decision adds a poignant touch to the upcoming historical event, emphasizing the passage of time and the changing dynamics within the BJP leadership.