The grand ceremony in Ayodhya that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi lay the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir has given birth to a new question: is this the end of a long struggle or the beginning of a new one? The glorious event in itself was unique in many aspects. Use of foundation laying/inauguration ceremonies as a poll plank is not new in Indian politics. But this is probably the first time that a court battle has resulted in closing the chapter of a struggle that spanned over centuries.
Also read: Ayodhya’s Muslim shop owners tired of mosque-temple talk, hope for ‘Ram Mandir sales boom’
Kashi, Mathura
The two important attendees in the bhoomi pujan ceremony were PM Modi and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. It is clear that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are working as a team with their ears to the ground, and have a better understanding of the Hindu sentiment. The Ayodhya verdict doesn’t pronounce any preconditions for the Hindus — like requiring them to forgo their claims on other sacred places of worship, faith or identity. Devotees visiting the ancient Kashi and Mathura temples have to put up with a mosque that became part of the temple structure during the Mughal rule. The presence of these mosques adjacent to the Hindu ancient sacred sites of worship hurts the sentiments of not just the ‘political Hindu’, but also of those religious ones who have nothing to do with politics.
The demand, by the devotees for the redevelopment of Kashi and Mathura temples, removal of encroachments and to make these places of worship more accessible to Hindus, so that they do not have to share it with those who are against idol worshipping, is a long standing one. The Ayodhya verdict, and the presence of a strong government at the centre and in the state, has further raised the hopes of the already assertive Hindus. With the groundbreaking ceremony in Ayodhya performed without hitches, one third of the original agenda of the BJP and the RSS of laying claim to the three important sacred Hindu spaces has been achieved. The ‘liberation’ of Kashi and Mathura may not even need an agitation.
Also read: Kashmir’s continuing internet struggles, and the making of Pakistan’s new map
And Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
Besides the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP is also committed to bringing a Uniform Civil Code. Issues such as restoring the pride of places of Hindu worship or even non-religious issues such as Article 370 or the Uniform Civil Code have gotten inextricably mired in controversies through a singularly political approach adopted by other parties which look at them through a Hindu versus Muslim prism. With the BJP under Modi’s leadership consolidating its political hold, and the party growing its influence in many states, the Hindu unity is only getting strengthened. Hence, the BJP-RSS agenda now seems easily achievable within a short span of time.
While these issues on the BJP’s agenda are more domestic in nature, a much challenging task would be to strategise for regaining complete control over the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). A resolution to this effect was unanimously passed by both the Houses of Parliament under the Congress regime. It should, therefore, be easier for the Modi government to evolve domestic political consensus at home. However, dealing with the global ramifications would require a much detailed strategy, and also time. But given the enthusiasm and heightened expectations post Ayodhya, the Modi government could well be under pressure to prioritise its agenda. Besides all these issues, closer to election, the government also has to tackle the economic crisis aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It would be prudent for the political class, especially the Modi government to evolve a consensus and leave the question of faith to be decided amicably by the community leaders rather than political leadership or the courts. Ayodhya is the beginning of a new Hindu renaissance movement. It will be in the best interest of the country to strategise, channelise this energy and sense of achievement to foster unity, work for economic resurgence and strive towards achieving global pre-eminence.
Also read: In supporting Ram Mandir, Congress is bowing low for temporary success, says Kerala MP
Congress toeing the line of faith
Many senior Congress leaders, including its top leadership, have posted messages on social media platforms welcoming the bhoomi pujan and even claiming credit for the opening of the locks of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. This mirrors their attempt to correct the 2007 faux pas in 2019 when they passed a CWC resolution supporting the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya after the Supreme Court verdict.
In 2007, the Congress-led UPA government in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court in Ram Setu case admitted that “Lord Ram lacks scientific and historical veracity”. The Manmohan Singh government had said, “Valmiki Ramayan and Ramcharitamanas admittedly form an important part of ancient Indian literature, but these cannot be said to be historical records to incontrovertibly prove the existence of the characters and occurrences of events depicted therein”. The UPA not only lost the case but also ceded political space to the BJP by substituting faith with what it thought was political pragmatism. Ironically, the BJP did not make Ram Mandir or Ram Setu an election issue in 2004, 2014 or 2019. But the subtle message to the electorate was conveyed unambiguously.
The message of Ayodhya is no less clear and unambiguous.
The author is a member of the National Executive Committee of the BJP and former editor of Organiser. Views are personal.
Step by Step
Get majority in Rajya Sabah and pass right to religious places basis significance and historical facts
Get Common Civil Code and Population Control law passed.
Enforce NRC and kick out pests
Plan civilization backup considering nuclear war is round the corner…specially with a failed state like Pakistan as neighbor…
Take country in confidence and enforce survival of fittest with people opting to deposit savings with the government for life after war and who ever survives as nominee.
Keep idea of finishing Pakistan for once even if it means beginning again from scratch..
Initiate Operation Gun Point…
Test by shooting nukes at nuclear testing sites of these countries to send a firm message…
Take first step and Attack POK with full force with nukes as the only option if Pakistan and China attack, which knowing Pakis they wont and if they do just finish everything off…
In the process 1.3 billion may not survive…few will but there is no fun in living with problems like Rahul Gandhi-Mamta Banerjee and a million pests…
With back ups planned a new beginning is possible without a idiot neighbor in Pakistan
And cowardly Hindus like you will be living safely in America ?
None of what you say will happen. Hindus can fight in a mob in India against minorities. We saw Hindu performance at the LAC. There was cowardice written all over.
Khtari – Hope what you were thinking was a joke. If you are a teenager or a young man it’s understandable if you were excited about these ideas.
If you are a mature adult, and really meant this, then I’d suggest you to see a psychiatrist!
Sir, May I humbly suggest
Our political leadership should
Defend Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh first before dreaming and fantasizing about more territory. Talk is easy while people in our armed forces face the extreme cold and altitude.
Ensure Indian Kashmiris trust the Indian Republic before dreaming about Pak occupied Kashmir. Bring peace in our Kashmir without needing presence of our military forces there…bring back Pandits there and let Pandits and Muslims live harmoniously.
Ensure poverty and illiteracy is eliminated in our country and we have productively employed all of our people. Collect enough taxes, maintain roads without potholes, clean drinking water for all, stop overflow of sewage drains and flooding, build good healthcare systems that public can be satisfied with… Ensure our justice system quickly disposes of court cases…Obviously you can’t achieve this and remain in power. Instead divert attention of public with fantasies and remain in power.
Hindus do not know how to rule what they have, They will break up the India that remains dreaming of a Hindu revival.
Sir, May I humbly suggest
Our political leadership should
Defend Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh first before dreaming and fantasizing about more territory. Talk is easy while people in our armed forces face the extreme cold and altitude.
Ensure Indian Kashmiris trust the Indian Republic before dreaming about Pak occupied Kashmir. Bring back peace in our Kashmir without such a large deployment of our forces there…
Ensure poverty and illiteracy is eliminated in our country and we have productively employed all of our people. Collect enough taxes, maintain roads without potholes, clean drinking water for all, stop overflow of sewage drains and flooding, build good healthcare systems that public can be satisfied with… Ensure our justice system quickly disposes of court cases…Obviously you can’t do this and remain in power. Instead divert attention of public with fantasies and remain in power.
Are you high on. Low cost weed.
India is going to be divided into 1000 pieces.
Chari is right in saying that any further disputes such as for Kashi Vishawanath and Mathura should not be politicized but should be settled amicable between the communities or through court of law based on historical records and evidence, in line with the ratio of SC judgement in Ram Mandir case.
As regards UCC, the government must propose a draft bill for it to be discussed widely and then help form a consensus. It should be seen as fulfillment of Directive Principle and SC observations in earlier cases rather than a political objective. This can be before 2024.
As regards PoK, government has to take a call after considering various ramifications and no specific time line can be laid down for it. However, domestic political consensus on this issue must be arrived at soon by passing another resolution in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the way forward.
However, Modi must now focus majorly on the economy as fundamental structural reforms will finally bury the Nehru Indira disastrous economic model and policies for a resurgent and confident India by 2030. In fact, that will be Modi’s true and lasting legacy. .
Modi does not know what to do with the economy. He took a growing economy under MMS and reduced it to a shambles. Covid finished it off. China is going to force India to spend money it cannot afford on defence. There are limitations to Hindu day dreaming.
What is Modi’s and it’s supporters are upto?
and what is this -. Ayodhya is the beginning of a new Hindu renaissance movement ? Did the writer understand real meaning of renaissance ? and did he know, what renaissance period had done to Europe and entire world? During and after renaissance humanity (not any particular religion) moved ahead, knowledge and wisdom expand and that too with out shedding a drop of blood…Wherein Ayodhya and entire Ram janmabhoomi movement has bloodstains on it’s cloths.
Since 2014, under the guise of correcting historical wrong Modi sarkar is in constant fire fighting mode, intimidating various sections of the society, and now eying for PoK, assuming Kashi, Mathura liberation will be without any agitation…what does all this means…???
How long will this opium last?
It’s true that, opposition parties are on their knees, but this doesn’t mean you are entitles to dismantle democratic structure of this country. As compare to other political parties Modi and BJP are way ahead to fit in their political, cultural agenda in the constitutional framework, but how long this smartness last? To wiped out previous legacy and to become taller than Nehru, Indira and all, the chosen path will leads to devastation of republic. personal over ambition and hatred for Nehru may firm the grip, but in doing so democracy will be dead. For sure. For marginalized democracy means a lot…For sure.
Any effort to change the territorial status quo in Kashmir will lead to a nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan. 2. After the apex court verdict on Ayodhya, a very senior functionary from the Sangh had said that Kashi and Mathura were now closed chapters. May statesmanship prevail.
You are Funded from outsiders…
Ayodhya to zhaaki hai ; kashi mathura baaki hai
If the whole farce wasn’t so tragic, I’d have laughed!
The problem with the BJP is that they always put religion over the nation. This article is just the perfect micro-example of that. India has been mentioned 3 times, while ‘Hindu(ism)’ has been mentioned 4 times as much – 12 times. The largeness of Hinduism is that it will allow all religions to flourish equally, which will help India bloom..The smallness of Hindutva is that it won’t, just so the lotus will bloom. I mean, just look at Turkey.. What else is PM Modi but a ‘Hindu-Erdogan’?!!
There are so many other pillars that the nation is lacking.. Do you really need to stoop so low?! Do you really need to create more issues when one has been solved?! Sorry, you’re right.. Hindutva needs to bring up such issues to the fore so that the BJP can survive their epic mismanagement of everything from the economy, to foreign policy and national security.
Finally, let me remind you of the Hindu belief of Karma.. for example, as it just happened to L K Advani!! Forget personal aspects, but let’s think about the nation.. like Xinjiang and Hong Kong are biting China, Kashmir will bite us too. We can never be a world leader as long as they are incarcerated like this. And why on earth would you want PoK?! To terrorise them also under the threat of the gun?! To ban the internet there too?! It’s amply clear from ex-LG Murmu’s statement that banning 4G is just to drive the Kashmiris economically to the ground. The one half we have cannot be managed properly, why double the problem? Oh yeah, I forgot, it’ll help your domestic, Hindutva politics. When the people are dying of economic distress, illness and hunger, you’ll get the Arnabs to shout and distract them with the demonising of an entire population for the faults of a few. First, man up and get back the kilometers that China encroached upon.. then start fantasisng!
And since you mentioned UCC, let me remind you of the other UCC required in Hinduism too – the Uniform Caste Code. How about criminalizing the caste system?! If you have the guts to do that, it might be the real Hindu renaissance and unity that you can’t see even though it is in front of you!
I was disappointed to read your views on this matter, the constitution of India has been compromised and institutions that were set to protect it are caving in to facism. It’s a pity you are unable to understand this. But I assure you future will look back and count you as a pen that ushered facism into India
Chari is an RSS man. Nehru correctly said the RSS is fascism, Hindu style. That is why they hate him.
I would inform this mouthpiece of BJP that in 1992 or so, PV Narasimha Rao’s government enacted a law for preservation of places of worship, in which the status of a place of worship as on 15.8.1947 will be protected by law. Since Gyanvapi Mosque of Varanasi and the Mosque next to Krishna Janm Sthan were mosques as on the date of independence, their status cannot be changed by the Government or courts, UNLESS the Muslim community generously decides to handover these sites to Hindus for an alternative site as was done in Ayodhya case.
The author is in the throes of euphoria. He is confusing sectarian victories with military ones.
It is a different thing altogether to march on POK in rugged terrain with China defending the CPEC , compared to browbeating minorities for religious land. What he suggests would invite extreme actions from China and as a seasoned analyst he knows what that means.
This bhoomi poojan China was in Depsang. The real worry is that at the next bhoomi poojan it might be in Leh
You must be rejoicing. Afterall modi’s failure to protect India will be boon to you.
You must be happy . .
Afterall modi’s failure to protect India will be boon to you.
So you admit Modi’s failure ? And still you have great expectations that he will bring boon to Hindus ?
Aren’t you happy about that?
Modi is failing . Beautiful no?
Ayy-wooooosh!! that’s the sound of all the gas going out of your master’s 56-inches, along with the tail going between the legs! It must hurt, no?!!
We are not so much bothered about Modi winning or losing, as much as we are upset that our land has been taken, and the PM is acting nothing has happened.
Apt observation! Instead of getting back our land, they’re pretending that China never took anything at all.. why else will they take down a defence report that stated the real facts! At least our Army is brave, unlike our politicians, who have started their next polarising agenda, even before the flames of one has died down!!
The Indian Army gave them a prasad of 40+ dead PLA troops too ,don’t forget that,You may oppose the politics of the present govt but don’t doubt the integrity of the Indian Army
What is the source of that information ?
The fact is the land is lost for good. So what is this Hindu renaissance ?
After Ayodhya, RSS-BJP needs something else to ignite the public.
Throw fantasies to the public like taking back Aksai Chin, Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK !
Let the government defend Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh first…Talk is easy for our politicians to remain in power while our armed forces face the extreme cold and attitude..