Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple in the northern town of Ayodhya, marking a significant moment in his Hindu nationalist agenda. The temple is built on the site where the historic Babri mosque, a Mughal-era structure, was demolished in 1992 by a Hindu mob, leading to religious riots and political upheaval.
During the consecration ceremony, Modi, dressed in traditional golden attire, unveiled the black stone idol of Lord Ram in the temple, symbolizing the triumph of his Hindu nationalist politics. The event is seen as an unofficial launch of Modi’s re-election campaign for the upcoming general elections.
The Babri mosque, named after Mughal emperor Babar, stood for centuries before its demolition triggered religious riots, causing over 2,000 deaths, mostly among the Muslim community. The temple’s construction has been a long-standing issue, with Hindus believing it to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
Modi’s participation in the temple’s inauguration includes chanting Hindu religious verses, offering flower petals, and circling a sacred flame. The event was attended by politicians, businessmen, and celebrities, while millions nationwide watched. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, declined the invitation, stating it does not align with India’s secular principles.
In his speech after the consecration, Modi declared the day as the beginning of a new era. However, critics argue that the event signifies a departure from India’s constitutionally secular state, emphasizing the fusion of religion and politics under Modi’s leadership.
The temple’s construction follows a legal battle won by Hindus in 2019, granting them permission to build it, while Muslims were allocated a plot miles away to construct a new structure. Modi had previously pledged to build the Ram temple during his 2014 election campaign.
The opening of the temple represents a landmark moment in Modi’s decades-long campaign to align governance with the majority Hindu faith in India, where Hindus make up about 80% of the population. The event underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly Muslims, who have frequently been targeted by Hindu nationalists since Modi assumed power in 2014.
