Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acceptance of an invitation to inaugurate a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Tharoor suggests that this move indicates the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Election will be a clash between Hindutva ideology and broader public welfare, shifting the focus from promises of economic development.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s plans to inaugurate the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, followed by the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14, Tharoor noted the evolving political landscape for the 2024 elections. He compared it to the previous emphasis on economic development in 2009 and the national security theme in 2019 after the Pulwama terrorist attack.
Tharoor raised questions about the promises of achhe din (good days), the commitment to creating 2 crore jobs annually, fostering economic growth for the lower socio-economic segments, and enhancing disposable income for all Indians. He suggests that these issues will be central to the electoral debate, characterizing the upcoming election as a clash between Hindutva ideology and broader public welfare.
The India Today report cited representatives from the BAPS organization extending an invitation to the Prime Minister for the temple inauguration on February 14. During a meeting with BAPS representatives in New Delhi, PM Modi reportedly accepted the invitation.
Before the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate various development projects in the city on December 30. These projects include an airport and a redeveloped railway station. Additionally, he will flag off two new Amrit Bharat and six new Vande Bharat trains. The airport in Ayodhya will be named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham, paying homage to the saint who authored the epic Ramayana.
Shashi Tharoor’s criticism reflects concerns over the shifting focus from economic development promises to Hindutva ideology. The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Election is predicted to be a clash between these two narratives, shaping the political landscape and prompting debates on public welfare issues. With the temple inaugurations and development projects on the horizon, the election campaign is expected to intensify as the nation’s diverse priorities come into the spotlight.
