A day subsequent to the statement by VHP leader and general secretary of the Ramjanmabhoomi Teerthkshetra Trust, Champat Rai, suggesting that it might be preferable for BJP stalwarts, L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, not to participate in the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, VHP chief Alok Kumar, accompanied by senior RSS leaders Ramlal and Krishna Gopal, paid a visit to Advani at his Delhi residence on Tuesday. The purpose of the visit was to officially extend an invitation to him for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple.
According to a statement released by the VHP, both Advani, aged 96, and Joshi, aged 89, have been invited to the Temple event, and both have expressed their intention to make an effort to attend.
"Alok Kumar handed over the invitation for attending the January 22 Pran Pratishtha (consecration) programme of the Ram Temple to Advani ji and Murli Manohar Joshi ji, the pioneers of the Ram Temple movement. We had a discussion on the movement. Both the seniors said they would try to attend the event," stated the VHP in an official communication on behalf of Alok Kumar.
In a conversation with The Indian Express, Kumar mentioned that Joshi had received the invitation on the preceding Monday. "We have not only invited the two leaders but even requested them that they must attend. That is why during the visit to Advani ji’s house, the entire discussion focused on the logistics of making his visit possible. We told him that whatever may be required given his health conditions we will make those arrangements and that he must come," he added.
Contrary to any misunderstanding, a VHP representative clarified, "There was never any plan not to invite them (Advani and Joshi for the consecration event). Without them, the Ram Temple movement cannot be imagined. Champat ji’s statements were only an expression of concern for their health. He (Rai) has also grown old."
Responding to queries about Advani and Joshi's potential attendance at the consecration function, Rai commented, "Advani ji ka hona anivarya hai, aur hum yeh bhi kahenge ki who kripya na ayen. (While Advani ji’s presence is essential, we would also like to say that he should not come)." Rai further explained, "Advani ji ko dekha hai ki nahi? Advani ki aayu mein aap pahunch payenge ki nahi. Dr Joshi se meri swayam varta hui hai. Main phone pe kehta raha aap mat aaiye, aur who jidd karte rahe main aaunga… Main baar baar nivedan karta raha ki Guruji aap mat aayiye, aapki aayu, sardi…. apne ghutne badalwayen hain (Have you all not seen Advani? Will you be able to reach Advani’s age? I spoke with Joshi on the phone. I kept telling him don’t come, but he was adamant and kept saying that he would come. I kept requesting him not to come, considering his age, cold… He has got his knees replaced)."
The general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, Rai, also mentioned that preparations are in full swing for the consecration event, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.