The unseemly explanation of the Congress and constituents of its misnomer INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) for boycotting the Ram Temple inauguration exposes their duplicity. It not only insults the sentiments of Indians but shows scant respect for the Supreme Court of India. While perennial baiters have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing the event for personal projection ahead of the General Elections, the fact is that the Ram temple not only fulfils the nation’s long-cherished dream, it is also part of the Constitutional mandate given by the topmost court.
There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that the consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya on January 22 is perhaps the greatest historic moment of this century for India. It corrects a civilisational wrong committed by Mughal invaders over 500 years ago by destroying a temple built at the birth place of India’s most venerated deity. Also, it has come up through the due process of contentious litigation that started in 1853 and culminated in the final verdict of the Supreme Court of India on November 9, 2019.
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court allotted the entire 2.77-acre disputed land acquired by the Union Government under the Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act 1993 for the temple construction. It also directed the Centre to set up a trust with a Board of Trustees or any other appropriate body to undertake the construction of a temple on the on the Ram Janmabhoomi site.
The Modi Government is not only honouring people’s sentiments, but is discharging its Constitutional responsibility in implementing the Supreme Court’s orders with commitment and zeal.
The construction of the Ram Temple was brought on the BJP’s agenda in its Palampur resolution way back in 1989.
However, the party-led NDA governments did not force the issue due to compulsions of coalition politics. Even after the BJP secured absolute majority on its own in 2014, PM Modi struck to the line that the Ayodhya temple should come up only after conciliation or though judicial process. When the Supreme Court finally gave its verdict in 2019 and directed the Modi Government to initiate the temple construction, all political parties welcomed it.
Construction of the temple, thus, became a national project, a symbol of India’s inclusive faith. The coming up of the temple is characteristic of PM Modi’s working style – where there is intent, the results inevitably follow. His Government not only ensured the construction of a magnificent temple in record time but also transformed Ayodhya into a role model of India’s inclusive development. The town is being developed not only as a spiritual hub but also as a major economic centre. It has already got a state-of-the-art international airport a model railway station, widened roads and much more.
The temple town has already emerged as one of the most sought after destinations of Indian and foreign investment. The consecration ceremony alone is projected to generate business worth Rs 1 lakh crore. The event not only resonates with religious sentiments but also brings a surge in economic activities. The faith and trust of people are leading to the creation of many new businesses based on the country’s traditional economic system.
