BJP Leader Urges Official Holiday on Ram Mandir Inauguration

BJP leader Atul Bhatkhalkar has penned a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, urging the declaration of January 22 as an official holiday in Maharashtra. The significance of this date lies in the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, where the idol of Ramlalla is set to be installed after a protracted struggle spanning 500 to 600 years.

Highlighting the monumental achievement, Bhatkhalkar emphasizes that the construction of the Ram temple is the result of relentless efforts by countless karsevaks over the years. The sacrifices made for this cause, with several lives laid down, culminate in the installation of the revered Ramlalla idol on January 22. This day is anticipated to be celebrated across the nation with fervor, reminiscent of the Diwali festival.

The call for an official holiday on January 22 is rooted in the sentiment that this occasion is not just a historical moment but a cultural and spiritual milestone for the people. Bhatkhalkar envisions every household illuminating lamps to mark the joyous occasion of the Ram temple inauguration. Across the city and suburbs, various programs are set to unfold, reflecting the collective excitement and reverence for this significant event.

To ensure maximum participation in the celebrations, Bhatkhalkar proposes that the government extends its announcement of an official holiday to private establishments. This move seeks to encourage widespread involvement and acknowledgment of the importance of the Ram Mandir inauguration.

As the nation gears up for this momentous day, the plea for a January 22 holiday echoes the sentiments of a populace eagerly awaiting the culmination of centuries-long aspirations. The Ram Mandir stands not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of cultural unity, determination, and unwavering faith. Bhatkhalkar's call for an official holiday resonates with the broader significance of this event, transcending political boundaries to embrace a shared cultural heritage.