Congress in Dilemma Over Ram Temple Consecration Attendance in Kerala

The Congress party in Kerala finds itself in a quandary over whether to attend the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with concerns about the impact on minority votes in the state. The party, which has traditionally championed the cause of the Sabarimala faith, is cautious about risking Hindu votes by boycotting the high-profile event.

While the Congress in New Delhi remains ambiguous about attending the ceremony, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) warns against falling into the BJP’s trap. The influential Muslim organization, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, praises the left parties for shunning the temple trust’s invitation, criticizing the Congress for its perceived “soft-Hindutva disposition.”

The Janata Dal (S) president Deve Gowda’s decision to attend the event further complicates the situation for the UDF, raising concerns about the party’s alliance with a BJP ally. The JD(S) State unit fears the possibility of facing provisions of the anti-defection law if ties with the national leadership are formally severed.