New Delhi, The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has declined the invitation extended by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to attend the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The party’s decision is rooted in its stance against the politicization of religion.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the CPI-M made its position clear in a statement. The party emphasized its commitment to respecting religious beliefs and safeguarding individuals’ rights to their beliefs. It further asserted that religion should not be used as a tool for political gain, which forms the basis for their decision to not participate in the ceremony.

The statement highlighted that CPI-M General Secretary Comrade Sitaram Yechury received the invitation but decided against attending the event. The CPI-M criticized the BJP and RSS for transforming a religious ceremony into a state-sponsored event, involving key government officials like the Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

The party underscored that this approach is in violation of a fundamental principle of governance in India, as upheld by the Supreme Court. The principle stipulates that the State should not have any religious affiliation under the Indian Constitution. The CPI-M statement concluded that the current ruling regime’s organization of the event represents a violation of this constitutional principle.