THE CONTEXT: The BJP’s Ayodhya Ram Mandir has become a major political issue in India, with the party using it as a key agenda item ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has promised to build the Ram Mandir at the disputed Ayodhya site, which was the birthplace of Lord Rama according to the Ramayana epic. This has become a rallying cry for the BJP against other political parties, especially the Congress, which has been in power for much of India’s history since independence.
THE ISSUES:
- Politicization of Religion: The BJP exploited Lord Ram for political gains, as evident from L.K. Advani’s statement during the Rath Yatra that he was a political leader, not a religious one. The timing of events like the installation of Ram’s statue and the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony was strategically aligned with the 2024 general elections, indicating the party’s attempt to invoke Lord Ram for electoral dividends.
- Electoral Consequences of Divisive Politics: Despite the BJP’s efforts to capitalize on the Ram Mandir issue, the party’s defeat in Ayodhya itself, with its candidate losing by a significant margin to a Dalit rival, demonstrates the Indian voter’s rejection of the politics of hatred and divisiveness. It is questioned whether the BJP and RSS will learn a lesson from Lord Ram’s teachings, which stand in stark contrast to their divisive politics.
- Secularism and Communal Harmony: The importance of secularism and communal harmony is substantiated, citing the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, which upheld the view that no temple lay demolished under the mosque’s debris. It also highlights India’s civilizational legacy of the Bhakti saints, who promoted the idea of one universal god, contributing to social peace and harmony.
- Role of Constitutional Institutions: Constitutional institutions, such as the Supreme Court, uphold the rule of law and maintain communal harmony. It criticizes the BJP’s disregard for the Supreme Court’s judgment and the echoes of “undoing the injustice of 500 years” that continue to resonate within the party’s ranks.
- Electoral Rhetoric and Decorum: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral rhetoric lacks grace, etiquette, and statesmanship, contrasting it with the speeches of previous Prime Ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This highlights the importance of maintaining decorum and upholding democratic values during electoral campaigns.
- Preserving Constitutional Values: There is a need for constant vigilance to protect the country’s constitutional values and democratic institutions, drawing parallels with the events surrounding the insurrection in the United States after the 2020 presidential election. It underscores the importance of rejecting authoritarian tendencies and upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Separating Religion from Politics: A desirable solution would be strictly separating religion from politics and governance. The Indian identity is not a singular religious identity but a plural one that encompasses diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions. Political parties should refrain from using religious symbols, figures, or sentiments for electoral gains, as it can polarize society and undermine India’s secular fabric.
- Upholding Constitutional Values: Uphold the constitutional values of secularism, fraternity, and individual liberty. The Constitution is a living document that must be interpreted and applied to the changing times while preserving its core values. Political parties and leaders must respect the Constitution and refrain from actions or rhetoric undermining its foundational principles.
- Promoting Inclusive Development: Promote inclusive development that addresses the concerns of all sections of society, irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed. Development should be measured not just in terms of economic growth but also in terms of human development indicators like education, health, and social security.
- Strengthening Pluralism and Diversity: Strengthen pluralism and celebrate the country’s diversity. India’s rich cultural heritage is a product of syncretic processes and the intermingling of various traditions. Political parties and leaders should embrace this diversity and promote an inclusive narrative that celebrates the contributions of all communities to the nation’s progress.
- Promoting Ethical Leadership: Promote ethical leadership that upholds the highest standards of conduct and sets an example for the rest of society. Ethical leadership is about economic policies and fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and compassion. Political parties should prioritize candidates with impeccable moral character and a commitment to ethical governance.
THE CONCLUSION:
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue has become a major political battleground, with the BJP and opposition parties staking their legitimacy. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be a major test for all parties on whose development agenda and vision for India will prevail. Whichever party’s vision is embraced by the Indian electorate will be a key determinant of the country’s path over the next five years.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. 2022
Q.2 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. 2021
Q.3 Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. 2018
Q.4 The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part now. Elaborate. 2017
Q.5 Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. 2017
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Examine the contemporary challenges to maintaining communal harmony in India’s diverse society. Suggest measures to strengthen the ideology of social peace.
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