"We're rivals, not enemies": Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on AIUDF Chief's appeal to Muslims

Ahead of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, Badruddin Ajmal on Saturday urged all Muslims to stay home from January 20 to 25.

Referring to this, Rijiju said, "How BJP has become the enemy of Muslims. There is no enmity in politics, there are rivals in politics. We are rivals, not enemies. On January 22, everyone, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Jain, Buddhist, or Hindu, should welcome Lord Ram by lighting Diyas because Lord Ram is the symbol of Bharat, not for a single religion."

"This is a very wrong statement. When the temple is being built in the name of Lord Shri Ram, it is the symbol of India. At this time, it is not good to make such a provocative statement," the Union Minister added.

The AIUDF chief's remarks also garnered criticism from the BJP after he called the party the "biggest enemy" of the community.

"We will have to be cautious. Muslims should avoid travelling from January 20 to 25. The entire world will witness the idol of Ram Lalla being placed in Ram Janmabhoomi. Lakhs of people will travel by buses, trains, aeroplanes, etc. We will have to maintain peace," Ajmal said while addressing a gathering in Assam's Barpeta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22.

The event has garnered significant attention, with several VVIP guests from India and abroad receiving invitations to participate in the auspicious occasion in Ayodhya.

From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav.

A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration.

According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. (ANI)