LK Advani, MM Joshi 'requested not to come' for Ram Temple event: Trust official

Veteran BJP leaders LK Advani and MM Joshi were advised by the Ram Temple Trust not to attend the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

The general secretary of the Trust, Champat Rai, cited health and age concerns as the reasons for this request. Both Advani, aged 96, and Joshi, nearing 90, have accepted the Trust's appeal.

Advani, a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is renowned for initiating the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 from Somnath to Ayodhya, which significantly bolstered the BJP's political stance, leading them to become the second-largest party in the subsequent general elections. 

Joshi, also a founding member of the BJP, played a pivotal role in the Ram Temple agitation during the early 1990s.

Also Read: Tripura: Vishwa Hindu Parishad to invite people to join Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya

The consecration ceremony, scheduled for January 22, is expected to be a grand affair with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. 

Other notable invitees include former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and Mata Amritanandamayi, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and celebrities such as Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, and Arun Govil. 

Approximately 4,000 saints and 2,200 guests are invited, including heads of major temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi.

Preparations for the ceremony are set to be completed by January 15, with rituals commencing on January 16. 

The event will also feature the participation of Shankaracharyas from six ancient schools and around 150 saints and sages.