Bengaluru: The consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has ignited a sense of optimism within the Karnataka BJP, prompting the saffron party to set ambitious goals of securing more than 20 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming elections.

As the BJP focuses on making the Ram Temple a central theme in its election strategy, aiming to offset Congress’ five poll guarantees, the Congress is directing its efforts towards rejuvenating Ram Temples in Karnataka.

The Congress aims to position itself as a Hindu-friendly party, countering the BJP’s accusations of being ‘anti-Hindu.’ The Congress drew criticism for not attending the Ayodhya event and the State Government’s decision not to declare a holiday on Jan. 22 for the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration further fuelled the BJP’s claims. The Congress, through the allocation of Rs. 250 crore for the restoration of Ram Temples, appears to be entering into a damage-control mode.

In the upcoming 2024-2025 Budget scheduled for Feb. 16, sources suggest that Siddaramaiah is expected to make significant allocations, including Rs. 250 crore for the restoration of Ram Temples in the State.

Additionally, the Congress Government is reportedly contemplating generous grants up to Rs. 300 crore for Mutts and religious institutions. This financial support is intended to boost the social, educational and cultural programmes undertaken by these institutions.

On its part, the BJP MPs are also planning to leverage the consecration by organising pilgrimages to Ayodhya for devotees in their respective Constituencies. The BJP Karnataka unit has targeted to send more than 35,000 persons from all 224 Assembly Constituencies in the State to Ayodhya from Jan. 31 to Mar. 25. The trip will be for six days.