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.