Will Ram be the Unifying Force?
The consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya brings the idea of cultural Hindutva to a full circle in India As the name of Ram resonates in the streets of Ayodhya, it heralds a new era in Indian politics. While the proponents of ‘Hindutva’ feel invigorated, pundits remain divided over its implications. With the 2024 general elections looming, this event will undoubtedly solidify the core Hindu-centric vote bank of BJP. The party has spared no effort in capitalizing on people’s fervor for this grand ceremony. Critics and the opposition have labeled the event as a classic example of exploiting religion for political gain, but alternative views exist across the country. Comments from members of various opposition parties reflect the political reverberations of this occasion. Rahul Gandhi of Congress has stated that the BJP and RSS have made it exclusively about Narendra Modi, while the leftist Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has expressed concern about the blurring of...