Maharashtra: RSS, VHP invite CM Eknath Shinde for Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22

Eknath Shinde. File Pic

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday extended an invite to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde for Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22, reported the PTI.

The RSS and the VHP inviteed CM Shinde to attend the idol consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

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RSS leader Ajay Joshi and VHP's Sanjay Dhavalikar met CM Eknath Shinde at his residence in Thane district of Maharashtra in the morning and extended the invite, a local RSS leader said, as per the PTI.

CM Shinde accepted the invitation and has expressed joy at the dreams of Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray and the former's mentor Anand Dighe coming true in the form of a grand temple in Ayodhya, he said, according to the PTI.

Incidentally, both the Shinde-led Sena and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have lined up various programmes, including display of saffron flags and lighting of lamps akin to Diwali at homes, in Maharashtra between January 18 and 22 to mark the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the event in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22.

Meanwhile, CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday donated Rs 11 crore for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the PTI reported.

According to the PTI, a delegation of party leaders comprising party MP Shrikant Shinde, Maharashtra Industries minister Uday Samant, party spokespersons Naresh Mhaske, Ashish Kulkarni and party secretary Bhau Chowdhary met Shree Ram Mandir Teerth Khestra general secretary Champat Rai and handed over a cheque of Rs 11 crore, the party said.

Meanwhile, CM Eknath Shinde thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming great consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, recognising Modi's crucial role in realising millions of Indians' dreams. Shinde explicitly commended Prime Minister Modi for his pivotal role in making this long-awaited goal a reality, praising him for fulfilling the dreams of innumerable Indians, an ANI report stated.

According to the ANI report, CM Shinde expressed gratitude for the event, which is slated for January 22, and emphasised the significance of the occasion, "Lord Ram will take care of everyone. The consecration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir will be done on January 22, marking a historic moment for our nation. PM Modi should be thanked, who has played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality. He has fulfilled the dream of crores of Indians."

(with PTI and ANI inputs)