Ravan Dahan: Ramlila Maidan vs Subhash Maidan

Unusual delay and mismanagement spoiled the mood at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan, as the Ravan Dahan on the auspicious occasion of Viaja Dashami was performed much later as compared to the previous years. The delay occurred due to the late arrival of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi and former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, who had to attend another Ravan Dahan programme led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the Congress organisers led by JP Agarwal, did not invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to perform Ravan Dahan at the Ramlila Maidan, a separate function was organised at Subhash Maidan for the Prime Minister, President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Dr. Hamid Ansari, Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, which was also attended by Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Dussehra celebrations at Subhash Maidan, gained much importance this year, thanks to the honourable guests.

The organisers at Ramlila Maidan, played politics, but the organisers at Subhash Maidan, did not follow suit and showed unity in diversity with an apolitical function for all. PM Modi interacted with Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, who was given the honour of lighting the ceremonial lamp.

For the last 10 years, the Ramlila Maidan orgainsers used to invite the Prime Minister. But, as the BJP-led NDA occupied power at the centre this year, they chose ignore Narendra Modi, setting a wrong precedent and drawing much criticism from all quarters.