Will Ram Mandir Politics Continue Till 2024?

(This article is a part of debate published on Newsbharati.com. The other side of the debate is mentioned in a link below this article)

 

Finalising the date of Ram Mandir Bhoomi pujan (August 5) has brought to a close one of the longest-ever religious, social and judicial battles in India, one that has gone on for as many as 134 years. However, what remains a million dollar question is, whether the end of the long drawn battle will also bring an end to the politics of religion, that was often played in the name of the Ram temple, and was instrumental in determining the political destiny of the country in general, and that of Uttar Pradesh in particular.

 

The ruling BJP party and its allies have been employing the Ram Mandir issue in almost all the elections, may it be the State or the Centre. With August 5 decision, would it be a surprise if the mandir rhetoric continues till 2024 when Prime Minister Modi will have to seek a fresh mandate from the people? The remark I know is in poor taste, but serves the purpose. What one seems to have overlooked is that the remark also ostensibly serves the ulterior designs of the lumpen element in the right-wing Hindutva forces, who more often than not, are looking for such cues to spread their venom with a view to promoting their politics of polarization.

 

 

Some BJP insiders however have to contend that the decision may now take the Ram temple issue out of the BJP election manifesto – be it for UP or the national elections. But would it not be too naïve to believe that? Now that the Narendra Modi government has been formally entrusted with the task of setting up the Ayodhya temple, they have all the opportunity to move heaven and earth to systematically push the saffron brigade’s own political agenda via the temple, in different parts of the country.

 

Further, since UP state assembly elections are due in early 2022, it would be quite easy for a hardcore Hindutva leader like CM Yogi Adityanath to keep the temple fire burning. Even as he has sobered down a lot since he rode on to don the chief minister’s mantle 30 months ago, he is still quite adept at the art of keeping rhetoric alive in the name of Ram. And there is no reason why it would not work to influence the minds of voters when he gets down to spreading the word that 'we have kept our word to build the Ram temple at Ayodhya'.

 

If the unreflective elements in BJP, VHP or other right-wing groups have refrained from vociferously celebrating the bhoomi pujan the credit must go to none other than PM Modi. Back in the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas karyashala (workshop), neatly carved out stone blocks are stacked and waiting to give shape to a grand Ram temple. According to artisans working on these stones, the already carved and sculpted stone pieces are enough to complete the ground floor of the proposed two storey temple for which a sandalwood model was duly prepared by the Nyas (trust) several years ago. It is placed quite prominently at the entrance of the karyashala, where pilgrims keep making their offerings.

 

On the other hand, it won't be an over exaggeration if we say that PM Modi is unlikely to use the ‘temple card’ too blatantly. As a master in showmanship, he would like to make only subtle references to the temple, while letting loose some of his select lieutenants to raise the pitch on the temple. It is also likely that in order to implement the judgment in true letter and spirit, he could take the lead in ensuring the construction of the mosque too, apart from the temple.

 

Also, looking back, it is clearly evident that the Ram mandir issue acquired relevance in the politics of the country in general, and UP in particular, largely since 1986. Now, the mandir has come back to the fold and is likely to mark the return of the BJP with a big bang. Such a move would be bound to enhance his profile. Some of his supporters believe that such a move could also make him an ideal contender for the Nobel Peace prize. How more far will this go on is left on for time to reveal!

 

 

Counterpoint-