India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new Ram temple in Ayodhya on a historic day. The construction of this multi-million dollar temple fulfills a long-standing promise made by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in an election year. The temple, which stands on the site of an ancient mosque, has been a subject of controversy for many years.
According to Hindu beliefs, Ayodhya is the birthplace of the god Ram, but a mosque was built on the site by a 16th-century Muslim emperor after the demolition of a temple. Hindu and Muslim groups have engaged in discussions for years in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, it was the BJP's nationwide campaign to construct a Hindu temple that eventually led to the demolition of the mosque in 1992, resulting in deadly riots.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister Modi himself, which has sparked some controversy since India's Constitution defines the country as secular. This rare occurrence of a head of state opening a religious site has left some questioning the constitutional principle of separation of religion and state.
Ayodhya has transformed into a city adorned with saffron, a color associated with Hindu nationalism, in the lead-up to the ceremony. The construction of the Ram temple has been a long-standing aspiration for Hindu nationalist organizations, including the BJP. This long-awaited dream has now materialized with the completion of the magnificent temple.
Opposition leaders have chosen to boycott the event, alleging that Modi is using it for political gains to solidify his support among Hindu voters. Their concerns stem from the fact that this inauguration comes just ahead of the 2024 elections, where Modi seeks a historic third term as prime minister.
While the celebrations have brought joy to millions of Hindus, the Muslim minority community in Ayodhya and across the nation has been less enthusiastic. Many members of the community have painful memories of the 1992 riots and see the temple inauguration as an event that reopens old wounds. Some have chosen to watch the celebrations from a distance.
The significant outcome of this event is the sealing of Modi's legacy as a Hindu nationalist leader. With the completion of the Ram temple, he has further solidified his image and appeal to the Hindu majority in the country. As the preparations for the consecration of the temple are met with firecrackers and joyous celebrations, it is clear that this inauguration holds great symbolic and political importance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party.
