Why is Modi’s inauguration of the Hindu temple so controversial?

Accompanied by the chanting of priests and the resonant sounds of conch shells, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the consecration of a contentious Hindu temple in a northern Indian town on Monday. The ceremonial proceedings concluded with the revelation of a 51-inch black stone idol depicting the Hindu deity Ram.

The arguments

India has a diverse population with people practising various religions. The controversy surrounding the Ram Temple reflects broader debates about the role of secularism in the Indian state and the influence of Hindu nationalism on political decisions.

The construction of the Ram Temple is seen by many as a symbol of the assertiveness of Hindu nationalism in Indian politics. It has raised concerns among religious minorities about the prioritisation of one religious community over others and the potential marginalisation of secular values.

Modi’s inauguration of the Hindu temple is controversial because it is built on the site of a 16th-century mosque that was demolished by Hindu hardliners in 1992, sparking communal violence that killed thousands of people.

The mosque’s destruction and the temple’s construction are seen by many Muslims as a symbol of Hindu nationalism and religious intolerance, and by many Hindus as a sign of justice and pride.

The temple’s inauguration also coincides with the anniversary of the revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy, another contentious move by Modi’s government that angered many Muslims.

The event can also have implications for India’s international relations, particularly with its Muslim-majority neighbours. The inauguration of a Hindu temple in a location with a history of religious tensions can undoubtedly impact regional dynamics.

Modi’s move has also been criticised by some human rights groups, religious leaders, and political opponents, who accuse Modi of using the temple for political gain and undermining India’s secular democracy.

The facts

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a contentious issue for decades. The site was historically claimed by both Hindus and Muslims, leading to a long-standing legal and political dispute. The Babri Masjid, a mosque that stood at the site, was demolished in 1992 by a group of Hindu nationalists, leading to communal tensions and violence.

The opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, in Ayodhya, northern India, has been a project over three decades in the making. This event is anticipated to significantly boost Modi’s electoral campaign.

The Ram Mandir represents the fulfilment of Modi’s vision for building what he has referred to as a “new India,” a concept often interpreted as the evolution of the nation into a predominantly Hindu state.

“Today our Lord Ram has come. After centuries of waiting, our Ram has arrived. After centuries of unprecedented patience, countless sacrifices, renunciations, and penances, our Lord Ram has arrived.

“Ram is not a dispute, Ram is the solution,” Narendra Modi said from the newly constructed temple adorned with vibrant flowers while addressing a gathering of 7,000 attendees, which included movie stars, prominent cricket players, and business magnates.