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Sangh parivar’s Ram temple clamour picks up to redeem BJP’s electoral fortunes

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7 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ram temple issue being strictly a matter of faith and not politics was a cloak that has now been discarded.

The meeting of ‘sants’ under the banner of Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (ABSS), with organisational backing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), openly and unequivocally called for re-electing Narendra Modi government and charting out a schedule for a series of meetings over the next few months.

The focus of mobilisation would naturally be Uttar Pradesh, the state where all projections show that in the event of a grand alliance of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress, BJP and its allies would lose a number of seats in the Lok Sabha elections of 2019. With little to show by way of performance of Yogi Adityanath government and the Modi government at the Centre, too, fighting to divert focus from host of issues, the construction of the Ram temple, which was on the BJP’s 2014 manifesto, would “neturalise” controversies surrounding Rafale, the CBI, the impact of rising prices, the economic slowdown, the farmers’ agitation, among others, and bring the entire Hindu votebank under a single umbrella “Hindu Astha” – reported Asian Age citing BJP sources. Those in charge of the BJP’s propaganda cells have also been asked to “convince” the media of the “importance and sentimental value of the Hindu faith”.

The move for Ram temple construction could also help consolidate BJP’s core votebank in the poll-bound states, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, where the BJP’s electoral prospects were not quite bright.

A move to send a strong signal to start the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site could bring back the voters disenchanted with BJP governments in these states. The ABSS — an umbrella organisation of over 3,000 Hindu monks and ascetics from 127 sects — on Sunday passed a resolution demanding that the government bring in a law or an ordinance for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Speculation was rife that Modi government could consider bringing in an ordinance and summoning a special Parliament session after the Parliament’s Winter Session, which is expected to begin in the second week of December – an Ordinance brought before the session would need to be ratified when the Parliament meets. Meanwhile BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha has stepped forward to bail the government out of any possible hassles in this regard and offered to introduce a private member’s Bill in Parliament, challenging Opposition parties to oppose it.

Leaders of BJP and its Sangh parivar affiliates have been issuing statements almost on a daily basis about growing impatience among people of the nation for construction of Ram temple without any further delay. To lend substance to it, plans have been chalked out for a series of programmes.

A statement issued by the ABSS said three large rallies would be held in Ayodhya, Nagpur and Bengaluru on November 25, culminating in a fourth in New Delhi on December 9 in support of a new law. “After this, meetings will be held in over 500 districts across the country,” the statement said.

“On Diwali this year, faithful devotees of Shri Ram should light lamps for the successful construction of a Ram temple,” said the statement. While the statement endorses the work of the Modi government over the issues of Dharma, culture, national security and self respect, it also says the monks are “upset” over the obstacles in the way of construction of a Ram temple.

The sants have declared the Supreme Court order “anti-temple”, and while calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi an “incarnate of Lord Ram”, the sadhus also appealed to followers and to Hindus in general to ensure that the Narendra Modi government returns to power in 2019. People should vote for those who have faith in “Gai, Ganga, Geeta, Gayatri and Govind”, they said.

Reading from the “dharmadesh” of sants on various issues, Samiti head Hansdevacharya said, “Agar jeevit rehna hai, math-mandir bachana hai, behen-beti bachani hai, sanskriti aur sanskar bachana hai to iss sarkar ko dobara se laana hai (If we have to protect our lives, temples and maths, daughters and sisters, culture and tradition, then this government must be brought back).”

The sants had expectations from the current government, which no other government could fulfill, he said. “Only this government will meet our expectations. Apna desh bhi bachao, apni sanskriti bhi bachao, aur phir se iss Bharat ke andar yahi sarkar ko 2019 me wapas lao, lao, lao… Jai Shri Ram (Save the country and its culture, bring back this government in 2019)!”

Hansdevacharya said the sants were hurt with the delay in clearing the path for the building of the Ram temple. “But at the same time, we are satisfied with the central government’s work related to the nation, religion, culture, national security, and national pride,” he said.

Sant Govindeo Giri of Pune said “certain forces” were trying to destabilise the government, and that a “conspiracy” against the government was afoot in Madhya Pradesh. “We should bear in mind while planning for the future that our central government should not be destabilised in any situation,” Giri said. The sants want the BJP-led government to return, he said.

The gathering called for the creation of a new “Teerthan Ministry” to promote pilgrimages, and to ensure that pilgrimage centres were not turned into tourism destinations. They also demanded a National Ganga River Act to protect the sacred river, and a “Gau Mantralaya” for the protection and conservation of cows.

The dharmadesh asked the government to identify and deport Rohingya Muslims. It demanded a Uniform Civil Code and a “national population policy” to control the “imbalance” in population, and a National Register of Citizens (NRC) across the country to identify “illegal migrants” with 1947 as the reference year.

Earlier, Vasudevanand Maharaj, who presided over the two-day meet, demanded that the name Delhi, “given by Muslim rulers and the British”, should be changed to Indraprastha “as per our tradition”.

Separately, union minister Uma Bharti told PTI in an interview that while Hindus were the “most tolerant” people in the world, any talk of constructing a mosque on the periphery of a Ram temple in Ayodhya could make them “intolerant”. She invited Congress president Rahul Gandhi to lay the foundation stone of the temple in Ayodhya with her in order to “atone for the sins” of his party.

Bharti’s ministerial colleague Giriraj Singh said “no power in the world” could prevent the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya; Singh was echoed by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya; and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised some “good news” on Ayodhya, separate PTI reports said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

15 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

By

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

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TMC MLA Humayun Kabir suspended after Babri Mosque replica proposal sparks row

TMC suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he proposed building a Babri mosque replica in Murshidabad, a move that drew criticism from the party and sparked political tension.

Published

15 hours ago

on

December 4, 2025

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Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended MLA Humayun Kabir after he publicly announced plans to construct a replica of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Party leaders said Kabir had earlier been cautioned for making such statements but continued to push ahead with the controversial proposal.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable, stressing that the party stood firmly by its secular stance. “We noticed that one of our MLAs suddenly declared he would build the Babri masjid. We had warned him before. As per the party’s decision, we are suspending him,” he said.

Kabir vows to continue project, may form new party

Kabir had planned to lay the foundation stone for the mosque replica in Beldanga on December 6. Sources indicated he is likely to resign from Trinamool on Friday and float a new party while continuing with the project.

The choice of date and nature of the project drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool leadership. Hakim alleged the move reflected a “divisional politics” strategy aligned with the BJP. “Why December 6? He could build a school or college. This is divisional politics,” he said.

Sources also said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “hugely annoyed” by Kabir’s remarks and informed him that the party would not support or associate with such activities.

Governor raises concerns, administration on alert

West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose questioned why action was not being taken if the MLA’s statements risked creating a law-and-order issue. He said intelligence inputs suggested attempts to turn Murshidabad into a “hub of scandal,” adding that authorities would not remain silent if communal tensions were provoked.

Officials confirmed that while Kabir has permission to hold the December 6 event, the administration is maintaining a high-level alert in Murshidabad.

Minutes after his suspension, Kabir withdrew from Mamata Banerjee’s rally in the India–Bangladesh border district, where she was protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

BJP attacks Kabir over remarks

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Kabir’s comments, claiming they were intended to “create communal tensions.” He said any attempt to raise structures linked to historical rulers would trigger disputes similar to the Babri Masjid conflict.

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Karnataka Power Shift: What Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar compromise formula means

A closer look at the emerging ‘compromise formula’ between Karnataka’s top leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, and how it may shape the state’s political future.

Published

6 days ago

on

November 29, 2025

By

A possible settlement between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged, signalling a calmer phase in the leadership tussle within the state Congress. While the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi, details of the so-called “compromise formula” are gradually becoming clearer.

Breakfast diplomacy calms tensions

After weeks of speculation over friction between the two top leaders, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met over breakfast today. The meeting, aimed at projecting unity, served as a symbolic reset after their strained ties over the chief ministership question.

Analysts believe the optics were crucial — the Congress successfully avoided a public showdown by diffusing tensions before they escalated further.

A transition of power likely, say analysts

According to political observers, the compromise indicates a strong possibility of Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister in a smooth transition, potentially as early as March–April 2026.
For now, sources say the arrangement requires Shivakumar to continue as Deputy Chief Minister without pushing for immediate change.

In return, the formula reportedly includes more cabinet positions for leaders loyal to Shivakumar and continuation of his role as the state Congress chief. Siddaramaiah is also expected to back Shivakumar as the party’s face for the 2028 Assembly election.

Why the Congress prefers this route

Replacing Siddaramaiah abruptly would not only upset internal balance but could also weaken the party, given his stature and mass appeal. Shivakumar, despite his influence, does not have the numbers within the legislature to force a takeover, making compromise the most viable path.

Siddaramaiah has already stated that this will be his final term as Chief Minister. With his legacy secure and his position as one of Karnataka’s tallest leaders intact, he appears willing to enable a dignified transition when the time comes.

Variables that could shape the final outcome

The success of the formula depends on three key factors:

1. Trust between the two leaders

Whether Shivakumar believes Siddaramaiah will keep his word remains uncertain. Karnataka’s political history is full of last-minute shifts, giving rise to the phrase “natak in Karnataka”.

2. Decision-making by the Congress high command

Delhi’s leadership must ensure the transition happens on time and without internal resistance, especially in the run-up to the 2028 Assembly polls.

3. Caste equations and political alignment

Siddaramaiah is the strongest face of the AHINDA bloc, while Shivakumar represents the OBC Vokkaliga community. The Congress cannot afford to alienate either group, making the timing and execution of any transition extremely delicate.

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