Shobha Yatra, Sunderkand: AAP plans series of events to mark Ayodhya event in Delhi

This comes after the Delhi government started a three-day Ramlila at Pearey Lal Bhawan on Saturday. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attended the Ramlila on Sunday. “Tomorrow (Monday), the praan prathistha ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is being held. Many people will not be able to attend it despite wanting to. I am happy that the Delhi government has organised this event,” he said, adding that everyone should seek inspiration from Lord Ram. “Lord Ram’s administration is considered ‘Ram Rajya’. We are inspired by ‘Ram Rajya’ and try to run the government taking inspiration from it,” he added.

Kejriwal has earlier said that he did not get a formal invitation to attend the ceremony but had got a letter which said that since many VVIPs will be attending, he would have to come alone. “I want to go with my wife, children and parents. I have not got the formal invitation yet but it does not matter. I will go with my family later,” he had told reporters last week.

AAP leaders have said in the past that only one party cannot become the flag-bearer of religion and the Hindu faith. It had also welcomed the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute.

“The entire country is enthusiastically lining up to welcome Lord Shri Ram and Delhi is not lagging behind. On January 22, all AAP ministers, MLAs, councillors, leaders, and workers will participate in ‘bhandaras’, prasaad distribution, and shobha yatra programs… Under the ‘Mukyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana’ plan, additional trains will be operated from Delhi to Ayodhya for the pilgrims travelling for Ram Lalla darshan in Ayodhya. Bhagwan Shri Ram does not belong to any specific political party. He is the epitome of the highest standards of humanity for the entire country… CM Arvind Kejriwal will surely go to see him, and all party leaders will line up to visit with their families,” Pandey said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police put up a multi-level security cover and extensive CCTV surveillance across prominent temples and markets in the national capital on Sunday. Joy N Tirkey, DCP (Northeast) told media that nobody will be allowed to breach law and order. “Multi-level security checkpoints have been put up at temples and markets. The night patrolling staffers are directed to check hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas. Members of temple trusts were called for a meeting on Sunday to review the security measures,” he said.

As the consecration ceremony will take place in Ayodhya on Monday, officers said several temples like Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Jhandewalan Mandir, Birla Mandir and Kalka Ji temple will celebrate the ‘Pran Pratishtha’. “We are expecting high footfall at these temples. Paramilitary forces will also be deployed and will be on standby for any situation,” said an officer.

All major temples have been directed to install CCTVs and retain the footage. Different markets such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Naya Bazaar, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Bhagirath Place, Kinari Bazaar, etc are expected to face crowds and security will be stepped up in the area.

Police said they are also keeping an extra vigil in sensitive areas and using drones to monitor security. More than 8,000 police personnel have already been deployed in Delhi for the January 22 event and Republic Day parade.