Bangalore Violence: Planned, executed in retaliation to Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan in Ayodhya?

 

Otherwise known as a peace-loving pensioner’s paradise, Bengaluru suddenly witnessed arson and violence at DJ Halli and KG Halli, which are now under curfew. A derogatory post of a Congress MLA, Srinivas Murthy’s family member Naveen triggered instant unrest on August 11.

“The post hurt religious sentiments and people were provoked,” said MD Sharief, SDPI Bengaluru unit president.

However, would it take minutes for a post to go viral immediately prompting people to gather stones to pelt and procure petrol to set vehicles on fire? So, was this riot pre-planned?

“I would call it an organised riot. At 7 pm, the post goes viral, 8 pm, people go the police. The DCP said he would handle it. In such cases, one can’t expect instant action. But soon after, around 3,000 people are on the streets indulging in arson and violence. Where did the weapons come from?” questioned BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash, adding that this seems “pre-planned”.

While Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar called Naveen a BJP activist, Congress spokesperson Kengal Renu said, “If you call this organised riot, then it is organised by the BJP. They (BJP leaders) have messed up the economy and mishandled the pandemic, and they are now finding reasons to point fingers at the opposition as part of a diversion tactic.”

However, the SDPI said that a 4-hour delay in taking action or arresting Naveen led to this violence. 

Within a week after the Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, here is rampage involving a particular community. Some netizens on social media suspected this to be in retaliation to the Ayodhya verdict.

“Not just Ram Mandir, we have CAA, triple talaq and more. This could be a result of latent anger,” said Malavika Avinash.

“Why should we politicise the issue? This should be handled as a law and order problem and ensure we establish peace. Did we not condemn when there was a derogatory post on Amit Shah earlier?” asked Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Dismissing the influence of Ayodhya sentiment, Shareif said, “We would have reacted then and there. More than the importance of Masjids, we hold Prophet Mohammed high regard, which is why sentiments run high here.”

So, can violence be the answer to grievance – be it religious or democratic?

Sushant Singh Rajput: The handwriting on the wall

While the CBI has taken over the investigation of Sushant Singh Rajput case, much has been said about the actor. The focus is now on Rhea Chakraborty, who visited the office of the Enforcement Directorate on August 7. Let's try to decipher Sushant's personality through his handwriting? Here we have an expert Devendra Ballabh, who is here to share the analysis of the actor's writing, comparing those written much earlier and the ones written closer to his death. Was there a drastic transition that could be crucial to this case?

Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan at Ayodhya: Pandemic, power and politics

PM Modi sets the stepping stone of the Hindu nationalist movement at Ayodhya with the Bhumi Pujan or the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Mandir. Right since the 1980s, the BJP and the RSS made the Ayodhya dispute, which saw violence and vandalism, a nationwide campaign.

Pandemic: 

As of today, India’s COVID-19 cases is closing in on the 20-lakh mark with around 6 lakh active cases, 12 lakh recoveries and 800 deaths. 

One of the priests from Karnataka’s Belagavi Kulapati NR Vijayendra Sharma fixed the auspicious time for the pujan on August 5 but is unable to attend the ceremony due to COVID fears.

Rameshwar Sharma, Madhya Pradesh Assembly Protem Speaker and BJP leader is of the opinion that beginning of the construction work for Ram Temple in Ayodhya will end the coronavirus pandemic in India. Ironically, it showed its presence soon after 16 policemen and a priest of the temple tested COVID-19 positive. 

Power:

The 2019 judgment of the Supreme Court paved the way for the construction of Ram temple after prolonged years of tussle between two religious communities. The BJP sees this as a promise fulfilled and the electoral gains could possibly land on the lap of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. The UP government’s leader is set to oversee the construction and his first step is to gift a 1.5 feet Ram idol, made by Bengaluru artist M Ramamurthy, to PM Modi. 

It’s interesting, however, to note that those leaders, who were the face of the movement then, are now nowhere at the forefront during this ceremony slated for August 5. It’s equally interesting to note that August 5 marks one year since the abrogation of Articles 35A and 370 in Jammu And Kashmir.

Politics:

Religious places across the country have been sending soil and holy water to the site. Soil from River Cauvery’s origin, Tala Kaveri in Karnataka’s Kodagu was sent to Ayodhya after a special pooja. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other VIPs will attend the ceremony.

Opposition leaders have been expressing their angst ever since the announcement of this Bhumi Pujan. The one leading the move criticising PM Modi is AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who said, “Attending Bhumi Pujan in official capacity will be a violation of @PMOIndia’s constitutional oath. Secularism is part of the Basic Structure of Constitution 

We can’t forget that for over 400 years Babri stood in Ayodhya & it was demolished by a criminal mob in 1992.”

AIMIM MP from Maharashtra, Imtiaz Jaleel, said if PM Modi can go to the temple for Bhumi Pujan, then why can’t Muslims offer namaz in mosques.

BJP denounced the statement made by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi claiming leaders of secular democracies across the world including heads of the state have constitutional rights to practice their own religion, in personal capacity, as well as the Prime Minister of India. There’s no ethical, legal or constitutional hassle, they stated. 

Now you’re probably wondering, can you go ahead with that trip you planned on taking, or perhaps a drive down the coastal lines of India? Yes, you can. No ethical, legal or constitutional hassle will come your way. But would you? Your choice can either divide you or unite you with the leaders of our country. These are certainly confusing times for many.