How Ram temple 'rules' Indian politics even 26 years after Babri Masjid demolition

Babri Masjid demolition anniversary: Speaking on the issue, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that the Ram Temple shall be built peacefully and Lord Ram’s exile would end soon.

AFP image

New Delhi: The historic event of demolition of 16^th century Babri Masjid, which took place on December 6, 1992 in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya; re-shaping country’s political framework; has once again come at the centre stage of Indian polity. With only months left for 17^th general elections, which would constitute country’s Lok Sabha; Lord Ram has once again become dearer, becoming an “issue” more important than employment, inflation or pollution. The structure of Babri Masjid, which was constructed by Mughal General Mir Baqi in Ayodhya (considered as the birth place of Lord Ram by Hindus); was demolished by karsevaks, who majorly belonged to Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Bharatiya Janta Party became the political voice of the entire movement and later “reaped the fruits” of the same in the subsequent general elections. 'Shaurya Diwas' for VHP: Now, on the 26th anniversary of the event; the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal are observing a Shaurya Diwas (day of bravery) and Vijay Diwas (day of victory) in Ayodhya; and have urged people to light earthen lamps, like Diwali. On the other hand, Muslim outfits have said they will observe 'Yaum E Gham' (day of sorrow) and 'Yaum E Syah' (black day). Men look at stone slabs earmarked for the construction of a Hindu God Ram temple at a workshop in Ayodhya/ AFP To ensure the safety and security remains intact in the disputed Ayodhya; which has been much talked about in last few days; the security arrangements have been beefed up and over 2,500 police personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary CRPF, have been deployed as part of multi-layered security. Security beefed up in Ayodhya/ ANI Pressure builds on government:  As the political scenario has heated in the country, just months ahead of 2019 polls, a huge amount of pressure is being built on the government to bring an ordinance pertaining to building of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Even RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had said that it’s time for the government to bring in ordinance over Ram Temple. Speaking on the issue, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asserted that the Ram Temple shall be built peacefully and Lord Ram’s exile would end soon. The matter is currently sub-judice and the Supreme is set to hear the case in January 2019.