The first meeting of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet to be held in Ayodhya signifies a significant step toward advancing the town's development. This move is in anticipation of the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Lord Ram idol at the under-construction Grand Ram temple, scheduled for early next year. It's worth noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will lead the state cabinet meeting at Ayodhya's Ram Katha Sangrahalya (Museum). Prior to the meeting, he and his cabinet colleagues will visit the Hanuman Garhi temple and pay respects to Ram Lala (Lord Ram in child form) at the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Afterward, they will hold the state cabinet meeting. Following the meeting, the chief minister will brief the media about the cabinet's decisions at Ram Katha Park.

The agenda for the state cabinet meeting is being finalized, with the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority Bill 2023 expected to be a key item. This bill had been postponed from the previous meeting and is now scheduled for discussion in Ayodhya.

“We have a development-focused agenda for state cabinet meeting. The state cabinet will take decisions that will add to the glory of Ayodhya,” said at least two functionaries aware of the development. A vision document titled "Ayodhya Vision 2047" has already been finalized, and both Modi and Yogi have been continuously overseeing its implementation.

Cabinet Minister Nand Gopal Nandi said, "The historic moment cannot be expressed in words. This day is historical and will be written in history in golden letters and we, the coming generations of this country and state",

"Congratulations to respected Yogi ji and many thanks to the people of the state. Today's agenda will be amazing and unprecedented and public interest will be at stake. Today's meeting will be dedicated to the development of Ayodhya," Cabinet Minister Jaiveer Singh said.

The decision to convene the cabinet meeting in Ayodhya holds historical significance, coinciding with the anniversaries of two important events in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction saga. On November 9, 1989, the first foundation stone of the temple was laid, marking a significant milestone. On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court's verdict paved the way for the construction of the temple, further underscoring the importance of this date.

Preceding the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the cabinet members, will partake in a prayer ceremony at the revered Hanumangarhi temple. Subsequently, they will visit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, paying their respects at the Shri Ramlala Virajman temple.

In addition to the religious elements, the cabinet meeting is poised to emphasize discussions on various development initiatives, as well as the preparations for the forthcoming Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya.

The decision to hold a cabinet meeting in Ayodhya is similar to previous instances when important meetings of the Council of Ministers were organized during the Kumbh Mela in 2019, particularly in Prayagraj. Additionally, cabinet meetings have occurred in Varanasi on multiple occasions, showing the government's commitment to connecting with significant areas throughout the state.

Image source: ANI