Meghalaya BJP clarifies on invitations to Ram Temple

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 21: The state BJP has stated today that the invitation to visit Ram Temple was as per convenience and not for inauguration.

In a statement, the BJP said a recent news article seems to suggest that some political and religious leaders of Meghalaya have “skipped” the Shree Ram Temple invitation which was extended by the state BJP (not the PM as wrongly reported).

“State BJP makes it clear that the invitation was for visiting the newly constructed Shree Ram Temple, as per the invitees’ convenience, and not for the inauguration per se as no date was mentioned. It is important to note that the invites were readily accepted whole heartedly. Moreover the inauguration event has been advance blessed by every prominent citizen of the state,” it said.

The statement said all BJP Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, State Ministers and all leaders of the party and karyakartas have been directed to witness the historic and Revered event LIVE from places of worship in their respective areas on the 22nd of January 2024.

Everyone will visit the Shree Ram Temple at a later date of their own choice, the same holds true for Meghalaya as well.

“BJP Meghalaya is of the opinion that such reporting, as has been carried out by one newspaper, is an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere during a momentous occasion and an effort to distort facts. The newly constructed Shree Ram Temple at Ayodhya has an ancient significance and holds a special place in the consciousness of a vast majority of Indians. Such an article is an attempt to paint a picture that Meghalaya doesn’t subscribe to the sentiments of a certain community and is separate from rest of the country. This is particularly sad considering people of various faiths and myriad cultures have always resided in the state in harmony, enjoying each other’s company. BJP Meghalaya fervently appeals that such biased reporting be stopped immediately,” it said.

Shillong ropeway project to start in Nov

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today said construction of the Shillong ropeway project will start by November, this year.

Lyngdoh told reporters that he had recently held a meeting to discuss this important project, the Shillong ropeway project.

He said the project starts from the terminal point at Madan Laban towards Lumparing and to the viewpoint of Shillong Peak and “we will have 12 cables initially and the engineering will be done as per European standards.”

“We will be floating tenders in the month of May and likely the work will start by November of this year,” he added.

The minister also informed that he had visited the Orchid Resort, Mawkasiang and a few areas that need further enhancement and that along with officials of the tourism department, we will be initiating a few major interventions in the project.

He further informed that the Department of Tourism along with Asian Development Bank will be initiating new projects and to begin with Shillong and Sohra circuits will each get funding of Rs 70 crore and these projects have been initiated.