The impending inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, marks a symbolic culmination that is set to reverberate across Indian politics. With reports indicating the installation of the idol of Lord Rama in a grand function attended by thousands of religious leaders from 136 Sanatana traditions, the event is poised to have far-reaching consequences on the political and societal landscape of the country.
PIVOTAL MOMENT IN INDIAN POLITICS
The Ram Janmabhoomi issue, which shaped Indian politics in the 1990s, is reaching a pivotal juncture with the temple’s inauguration. The ruling party and government are expected to leverage the symbolism and message of the temple, using both social media and traditional means, as the event coincides with the run-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya is not just a religious event but also a significant political catalyst that is poised to reshape the political dynamics in India. The BJP stands to gain politically in several ways, leveraging the symbolic resolution of a long-standing conflict and further enhancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s narrative of promise fulfilment.
SYMBOLIC RESOLUTION: BJP’S SHOWCASE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The BJP is set to showcase the temple inauguration as the resolution of a longstanding conflict between religious communities. This strategic move aligns with the party’s manifesto promises, positioning it as a force that has successfully addressed a contentious issue and fulfilled commitments made to the electorate.
For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the temple inauguration is an opportunity to add to his political capital. The narrative of “Modi fulfils promises” is likely to be reinforced, presenting him as a leader who delivers on commitments made to the public. This narrative can significantly contribute to the PM’s influence among the masses. Ultimately, the Ram Temple inauguration is poised to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi more influential in the hearts and minds of the masses. This enhanced influence has the potential to benefit the BJP politically, shaping the narrative and political landscape as the country approaches the parliamentary elections.
The inauguration is expected to evoke a sense of Hindu pride, potentially leading to more cohesive voting from the Hindu community in the upcoming general elections. By emphasizing Hindu identity, the BJP aims to consolidate support and strengthen its electoral position, creating a potential game-changer in the political landscape.
THE JAN UTSAV STRATEGY: POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for celebrations at temples across India signals a concerted effort to transform the inauguration into a “jan utsav” — a celebration aimed at reviving memories and instilling pride among the majority community. This strategy aligns with past experiences, where “Ram memory” proved to be a potent mobilizing force, transcending caste and community lines and contributing to the BJP’s ascendancy.
THREE DECADES OF POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Far from being an isolated event, the temple inauguration is part of a series of actions spanning three decades. These actions have cultivated a political consciousness, with the “Ram memory” emerging as a mobilisation force that has played a significant role in establishing the BJP as a dominant national force.
SECULAR CONCERNS: ACCUSATIONS OF MAJORITARIAN DISPLAY
Critics, including opposition leaders, have raised concerns about the secular values of the Indian state being compromised by the involvement of top government functionaries in the event. Accusations of turning a religious ceremony into a majoritarian display have been levelled against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government, and the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath.
OPPOSITION’S RESPONSE: A DIVIDE ON THE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL FRONT
The invitation extended to political leaders for the ceremony has sparked varying responses. While some leaders view it as an opportunity to participate in a religious ceremony, others, like CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, have declined the invitation. Yechury’s statement emphasizes the BJP and RSS’s transformation of a religious ceremony into a state-sponsored event, accusing them of violating the secular values enshrined in the constitution.
The CPI(M)’s decision to decline the invitation is grounded in its policy to respect religious beliefs while safeguarding the principle that religion should not be exploited for political gain. The party underscores the violation of the constitutional principle that the state should have no religious affiliation, expressing concern about the ruling regime’s organization of the event.
NAVIGATING THE REJUVENATION OF HINDUTVA IDENTITY
Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, NCP, and TMC, face the challenge of navigating the rejuvenation of Hindutva identity. The temple inauguration may compel them to devise new strategies, including a potential shift toward what is colloquially known as “soft Hindutva” to resonate with the sentiments of a significant section of the electorate.
As the nation anticipates the historic inauguration, the convergence of religion and politics remains a focal point of discussion. The transformative impact of this event on India’s political landscape, coupled with the varied responses from political leaders, sets the stage for a complex interplay of religious sentiments, political strategies, and constitutional values.
