The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Government of India has issued an “office memorandum”, declaring that all government offices, central institutions and industrial establishments will remain closed till 2.30 p.m. on January 22, to “enable employees to participate in the celebrations for Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya”. It is reported that State governments led by the BJP have taken similar steps. This is yet another step to directly involve the government and State in what should be a purely religious function. Employees have the right to make a personal choice regarding their religious belief and behaviour but it is a gross misuse of power for the government itself to issue such a circular.
The CPI(M) reiterates its position that such actions by the government are against the Constitution and the Supreme Court guidelines that the State should be without any religious colour.