Day after Advani asked to skip Ram Temple event, RSS, VHP leaders meet him with invite

“Handed over the invitation for attending the January 22 Pran Pratishtha (consecration) programme of the Ram Temple to Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of the Ram Temple movement. We had a discussion on the movement. Both the seniors said they would try to attend the event,” said a statement issued by the VHP on behalf of Alok Kumar.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Kumar said the invitation to Joshi had been handed over to him on Monday itself. “We have not only invited the two leaders but even requested them that they must attend. That is why during the visit to Advani ji’s house, the entire discussion focused on the logistics of making his visit possible. We told him that whatever may be required given his health conditions we will make those arrangements and that he must come,” he said.

VHP sources said, “While Champat Rai meant well, his statement on Advani and Joshi was blown out of proportion and became controversial.”

“There was never any plan not to invite them (Advani and Joshi for the consecration event). Without them the Ram Temple movement cannot be imagined. Champat ji’s statements were only an expression of concern for their health. He (Rai) has also grown old,” a VHP leader said.

Rai on Monday said that while the presence of Advani and Joshi at the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony was necessary, they were “requested not to come” for the event, given their age and health condition.

On being asked whether Advani and Joshi would attend the consecration function, Rai said: “Advani ji ka hona anivarya hai, aur hum yeh bhi kahenge ki who kripya na ayen. (While Advani ji’s presence is essential, we would also like to say that he should not come).”

Rai said, “Advani ji ko dekha hai ki nahi? Advani ki aayu mein aap pahunch payenge ki nahi. Dr Joshi se meri swayam varta hui hai. Main phone pe kehta raha aap mat aaiye, aur who jidd karte rahe main aaunga… Main baar baar nivedan karta raha ki Guruji aap mat aayiye, aapki aayu, sardi…. apne ghutne badalwayen hain (Have you all not seen Advani? Will you be able to reach Advani’s age? I spoke with Joshi on the phone. I kept telling him don’t come, but he was adamant and kept saying that he would come. I kept requesting him not to come, considering his age, cold… He has got his knees replaced),” Rai said.

The Ram Temple Trust general secretary also said preparations are in full swing for the consecration event, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.