Kohima : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday terming the January 22 Ram Temple consecration ceremony as a 'political event', said that the BJP and RSS have made it a 'Narendra Modi function'.
Addressing a press conference on the third day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra here, he said, "The BJP and RSS have made the January 22 function as a political and a Narendra Modi function".
Gandhi said, "The Congress president declined the invitation as the function has been given a political and election flavour that is designed around the Prime Minister and the RSS".
The former Congress President said that the authorities of Hindu religion have also made it clear that the event was a political function and "it is difficult for us to visit a political function on January 22".
Calling 'practice of religion as personal', the Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad said, "I don't take advantage of my religion and I don't have to wear my religion on my sleeve".
"I believe that religion is a personal choice and I try to live with the principle of my religion. My religion teaches me to be polite, not hate anyone and respect all," Rahul said.
Stating that the Congress will participate in the election process and election rallies, Rahul Gandhi said that this yatra is to bring the injustice being meted by the BJP government in front of the people.
He again accused the BJP and RSS of selectively benefiting some industrialists by giving them the wealth of the country.