BJP’s politicisation of religion

The celebration and construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have been heralded as a momentous occasion, deeply embedded in religious and cultural significance. Currently, the Ram Mandir in the sacred town of Ayodhya remains only partially constructed. The completion of the temple is anticipated for next year, leading to objections from certain Hindu holy figures against its early inauguration. Despite being incomplete, this temple has already acquired an unparalleled significance compared with any other religious structure in India. However, beneath the veneer of religious devotion lies a carefully crafted political strategy employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to secure votes and perpetuate its political dominance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is meticulously planning to clinch a third successive term, sparing no effort in its drive for electoral triumph.

The BJP’s relentless focus on the Ram Mandir, especially in the run-up to the 2024 elections, exposes a calculated exploitation of religious sentiments for political gains. By foregrounding the temple construction, the BJP seeks to consolidate the Hindu vote bank, leveraging the emotional connection that a significant section of the population shares with the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Ram Janmabhoomi refers to the site believed, according to Hindu religious beliefs, to be the birthplace of Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The construction of the Ram Mandir is a symbol of religious and cultural identity for many Hindus, and by prioritising this narrative, the BJP seeks to resonate with the sentiments of the electorate.

In 2019, the Supreme Court of India mandated the allocation of a five-acre plot as compensation for the demolished Babri Masjid, to be situated alongside the 62 acres designated for the construction of the Ram Mandir. However, despite this directive, the BJP has made little progress in fulfilling its commitment, casting doubt on its sincerity in upholding religious harmony and justice. This lack of action is particularly concerning given the party’s alignment with Hindutva organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), whose agenda aims to bolster the narrative surrounding the Ram Mandir and consolidate support rooted in right-wing ideology.

This alignment with Hindutva organisations not only amplifies the Ram Mandir narrative but also supports the broader vision of Akhand Bharat, which envisions a united India under Hindu dominance. However, this agenda poses potential threats to regional peace, given the historical track record of such groups in instigating unrest, particularly in neighbouring countries like Pakistan.

Furthermore, the BJP’s relentless emphasis on the Ram Mandir serves as a convenient diversion from pressing socio-economic issues plaguing the nation, including unemployment and economic inequality. Despite the government’s focus on economic growth, discontent has intensified, leading to escalations of insurgencies along the Naxalite-Maoist corridor. The deliberate emphasis on the Ram Mandir in political discourse appears to redirect public attention away from addressing these urgent socio-economic challenges that demand immediate policy measures.

To add to the political spectacle surrounding the temple construction, Prime Minister Modi strategically incorporated cinematic glamour and celebrity endorsement. Notable Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit were included in the Ram Mandir inauguration event, adding cultural allure and enticing voters through celebrity endorsements. However, the involvement of these celebrities, while portraying themselves as devotees of Ram, also serves as a means of rallying support for Modi and the BJP, reflecting a directive from the party’s top leadership.

Under PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s guidance, the directive aims to secure a 50 per cent vote share by utilising the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony as a strategic electoral tool. This approach positions the BJP as the primary custodian of Hindu interests, leveraging recent successes and perceived opposition disunity.

In dissecting the BJP’s political agenda behind the Ram Mandir, it becomes evident that the party strategically deploys religious symbolism to consolidate its power base, divert attention from critical issues and foster alliances rooted in right-wing ideology. Failure to construct the mosque alongside the temple as directed by Indian Supreme Court, the acquisition of 62 acres of mosque land and the inclusion of celebrities during consecration of the temple highlight the calculated nature of the BJP’s approach. The BJP government’s politicisation of religion is worrisome, particularly when considering that temples should remain beyond its purview. The government’s alignment with extremist religious groups, aimed at securing support among fervent Hindus, raises concerns for political harmony and has sparked worries about the reported persecution of Muslims in India.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2024.

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