"Temple does not belong to BJP": RJD MP Manoj Jha criticises UP govt's 3-day program over Ram Mandir's first anniversary

New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha on Saturday criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's focus on organizing a three-day program marking the first anniversary of the Ramlala Mandir Pran Pratishtha, stating that the state's priorities should also address the aspirations of its youth.
Speaking to ANI, Jha pointed out that the temple was built following a court order and emphasized that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath must be held accountable for his performance in areas like job creation and employment.
"These are their priorities. They should also think about what the youth of Uttar Pradesh want. The temple does not belong to the BJP. The temple was built by court order...He (Yogi Adityanath) cannot explain his performance as a Chief Minister from this. He will have to answer on jobs and employment, what he has achieved or what he has not achieved," he said.
Meanwhile, the three-day celebrations commenced today following the alignment of the Hindu calendar. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the event by performing the Abhishek of Ram Lalla.
The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram was held on January 22, 2024, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled after the rituals. Last year, this sacred event was celebrated on Kurma Dwadashi during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar's Paush month. This year, the Shukla Paksha falls on January 11.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width is 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.
Lakhs of devotees have been flocking to Ayodhya since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla. The number of daily visitors to the Hanumangarhi Ram Temple has also been increasing rapidly. (ANI)