New Delhi: A day ahead of the grand opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him “shifting political agenda” before every election and alleged the BJP government at the Centre was unable to protect the country’s border from Chinese encroachment, news agency PTI reported.

Launching a scathing attack on PM Modi, Tharoor said the BJP stalwart won the 2014 elections in the name of development and the 2019 elections in the name of national security by ordering surgical strikes on Pakistan. He further said that since PM Modi cannot cite development due to the problems faced because of demonetisation and he can’t even raise the national security issue to woo voters, the BJP has their “original cause – Hindu Hriday Samrat, PTI reported.

“On January 22 the PM will officiate the ceremony at Ayodhya, then in February he will inaugurate a temple in Abu Dhabi and then elections will be announced. That is what I believe and I have said so earlier too,” PTI quoted the Congress veteran as saying.

Asked about the Congress turning down the Ram Temple invite, Tharoor said his party felt it was a political programme.

“Each of us have our own religious beliefs and act accordingly. As a party, the stand is very clear. The Prime Minister is officiating what has become a very political exercise and we do not believe that is a good thing,” PTI quoted Tharoor as saying.

When asked if he plans to be a part of the consecration ceremony on Monday, Tharoor said he goes to temples to offer prayers and “not play politics”.

He also slammed the government over AIIMS deciding earlier to remain shut till 2.30pm in view of the ceremony. Tharoor said this would have affected a large number of patients waiting at the OPD or someone who needs urgent medical aid.

Notably, AIIMS decided to remain open on Monday, reversing its earlier decision to shut OPD services till 2:30 pm.