Samajwadi Party legislator Rakesh Pratap Singh has written a letter to Vidhan Sabha Speaker Satish Mahana, urging him to organise a collective visit for all 403 members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly to Ayodhya on January 22.
The chosen date is that of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, an event which is likely to be attended by VVIPs from across the nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has extended invitations to leaders of various political parties, justifying the demand of the SP MLAs for a joint representation of the legislative assembly during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
In his letter to Speaker Satish Mahana, Singh specifically appeals for the opportunity to participate in the consecration programme in the revered Ayodhya. He further urges the speaker to facilitate travel, accommodation and darshan for all assembly members, ensuring their presence under the protective aegis of the legislative body.
The timing of Singh’s letter aligns with statements from his party chief Akhilesh Yadav, emphasising a commitment to refrain from making statements on religion. The plea also emerges amid controversy surrounding Swami Prasad Maurya, a Samajwadi Party MLC and national general secretary of the party, who has been making controversial comments against the Hindu religion.
When questioned about the apparent contradiction between attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and the controversial statements made by Swami Prasad Maurya, Singh clarified that the party leadership, including Akhilesh Yadav, consistently discouraged remarks on religion.
Singh reiterated that during a recent party meeting, Yadav had once again emphasised these instructions, seeking to maintain a unified and respectful stance on religious matters.
The request to Speaker Satish Mahana marks a unique effort by the SP MLAs to collectively participate in the significant and culturally symbolic event in Ayodhya on January 22.