On Monday, a grand ceremony in Ayodhya marked the consecration of Ram Mandir at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid. The event marked the culmination of a decades-long campaign by right-wing Hindu nationalists who have been demanding the building of a temple for Lord Ram at his believed birthplace.
The foundation stone was laid at this spot in August 2020 during the onslaught of COVID-19.
The consecration ceremony was dominated by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the religious ceremonies he undertook, culminating in a powerful and emotive speech. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other national political and religious leaders attended.
PM Modi described the temple construction as a 'historic day' and said it symbolised India's cultural awakening.
Political observers felt that PM Modi refrained from making communal remarks and focused more on inclusive development in his speech. He addressed the nation's youth, considered a significant vote bank. His well-phrased speech was a clear strategy to soften the Hindutva edge as the BJP gears up for the 2024 polls.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat with UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
In contrast, UP CM Yogi Adityanath's speech had clear Hindu nationalist overtones as he spoke of ending "500 years of slavery" under Muslim rule. He told the teeming thousands that Ayodhya would not see any firing or bullets or curfews, referring to frequent Hindu-Muslim clashes in the past. This appears to be an apparent attempt by the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to bolster his image as a Hindutva mascot within the BJP.
UP elections are scheduled for next year, and Adityanath's divisive rhetoric could consolidate Hindu votes but polarise the UP residents, which may end up hurting the BJP. Farm protests in the recent past have already dented the BJP's support among Jats in western UP; the BJP hopes that the Ram temple's consecration will offset the setback.
The presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also had political significance beyond the Ayodhya event. By allowing him to share the stage with PM Modi, the BJP has signalled continued RSS influence over it despite Modi's larger-than-life persona.
This should help assuage concerns within Sangh Parivar over the BJP sidelining RSS. Bhagwat, however, had a dig at Adityanath, saying, “I am always asked to calm the ruffled feather,” and adding that “Ram Rajya” symbolises a good life and fulfilment of aspirations of all. “It is important that the aspirations of other communities are kept in mind while celebrating the big event, " suggesting that it is not just the Hindus but other communities that should be taken along.
The Ayodhya consecration allowed BJP leaders to connect with their core majoritarian base. But the emerging challenge is to balance Hindutva sentiments with on-ground development as BJP expands its political appeal beyond hardline Hindu voters in preparation for the 2024 polls.
Bullet Point highlights
• The ceremony on Monday marked the culmination of a long campaign by Hindu nationalists to build a temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid
• PM Modi described it as a 'historic day' but avoided overtly communal remarks to soften the BJP's Hindu nationalist edge ahead of the 2024 national elections.
• UP CM Yogi Adityanath's speech had stronger Hindu nationalist tones, speaking of ending "500 years of slavery,".
• The presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat signalled continued RSS influence over BJP despite Modi's stature.
• The event allowed the BJP to connect with its core majoritarian base.
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