Ayodhya Ram Mandir: What Are BJP Leaders L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti Doing Today?
The 'Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony is set to unfold in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, commencing on January 22, 2024, and extending over seven days from January 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the event by performing the inaugural aarti at the statue of Ram Lalla. The ceremony is poised to draw thousands, including political leaders, industrialists, and film personalities.
The Ram Temple project, fraught with protests, violence, riots, and legal battles, has a history rooted in the construction of the Babri Masjid in 1528 by Mir Baqi, the commander-in-chief of the Mughal Emperor.
The Babri Masjid demolition in December 1992 escalated the conflict, leading to the Ayodhya Act in 1993. Legal battles ensued, culminating in the 2019 Supreme Court ruling allowing the construction of a Ram temple on the disputed 2.77 acres and allocating 5 acres for a mosque.
In 2020, a 15-member trust was formed based on the Supreme Court verdict, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone for the temple.
The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024.
Chronology of Key Events:
1528: Babri Masjid constructed by Mir Baqi during Mughal rule.
1853: Demolition of a Ram temple during Babur's rule.
1894: Idols of Lord Ram and Sita placed at the disputed site.
1959: Nirmohi Akhara files a suit claiming ownership of the disputed site.
1986: Local court orders the disputed site open only for Hindu worship.
1991: BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, with Kalyan Singh as Chief Minister.
1992: Babri Masjid demolished; Ayodhya Act introduced in 1993.
2019: Supreme Court ruling allows the construction of the Ram temple.
2020: 15-member trust formed; foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Modi.
Key Figures and Their Roles:
L.K. Advani, aged 96, played a pivotal role, conducting a rath yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya. He will not attend the event.
Murli Manohar Joshi, aged 90, near the disputed premises during the Babri Masjid demolition, will also not participate.
Uma Bharti, involved in the Ram Mandir movement, faced charges in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
Sadhvi Ritambhara, accused of conspiring to demolish the Babri Masjid, among the first to be invited.
Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1992, accused of not preventing the Babri Masjid demolition, passed away in 2021 at the age of 89.
Ashok Singhal, president of the VHP till 2011, played a vital role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He passed away in 2015 due to ill health.
Vinay Katiyar, the first leader of Bajrang Dal formed in 1984 for the Ram temple movement.
Praveen Togadia, leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, played a crucial role in the construction of the Ram temple.