Is the silence of the 139-year-old Congress party on “Ram Mandir” part of its electoral strategy? In private conversations, Congress leaders say that the public will take decisions as per its own wish no matter what the BJP does to create an atmosphere. Surprisingly, the Congress does want to understand the changing political situation of the country.
It was the Congress that had got the Ram Temple in Ayodhya unlocked in 1984. It was Congress which was in power at the Centre when the Babri structure was demolished, following which riots took place across the nation. Years later, the Godhra train burning occurred. But the Congress never took the Ram Mandir issue seriously. When in power in 2004, Congress urged the court to delay the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi case instead of expediting it.
In contrast, the BJP never lost the opportunity to use the Ram Mandir issue to set a strong narrative that suited its politics centred on the Hindutva sentiments. Again, the saffron party has taken a lead on this issue, making it difficult for the Opposition to defeat it in the Lok Sabha elections. But Congress is still not serious about the issue. The grand old party is still in a dilemma over whether to accept the invitation to attend the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya event or not.
Perhaps, the Congress is afraid of losing the votes of a particular community or displeasing the alliance partners who practise Muslim “appeasement” politics.
The reality at the same time is that Muslim votes have already gone away from Congress in the Hindi heartland states, with UP and Bihar being the glaring examples of this. The smaller parties involved in appeasement politics will hardly be bothered if Congress is wiped out of existence in these states. Rather they will be benefiting from Congress’ “decimation”. The parties such as DMK, TMC, AAP, SP, NCP, etc., do not need Congress for their political future. It is the grand old party which is banking on these parties for its survival. Congress central leadership does not inspire any fear among the rank and file.
Sonia Gandhi, who is the strongest leader of the party, is making what sounds like an irresponsible statement. She said that “democracy is under threat”. A Karnataka Congress leader says that “CM Siddaramaiahis himself Ram”. Leaders of the I.N.D.I Alliance are giving one controversial statement or the other on Ram Mandir, adding to Congress’ problems. Amidst all this, Congress is silent.
Meanwhile, the BJP has already started reaching out to every single home in the country with the narrative on Ram Mandir, and Hindutva culture. The Opposition might find it difficult to counter the narrative that the BJP is building.
Free holy rice distribution programme is being carried out in both Hindi heartland and non-Hindi speaking states. India is set to witness a massive religious atmosphere on 22 January whenRam Mandir will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya.
PM Modi has already urged the people to light a lamp and celebrate Diwali on the occasion.
The consecration of Ram Temple will definitely impact the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP set to formulate strategy for its campaign over this “achievement”. “Chalo Ayodhya” campaign will not stop now. PM Modi’s image as a “symbol of Hindutva” has been cemented further by his government’s decisions on renovation of pilgrimage centres such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Kashi, Ujjain and Ayodhya. The narrative on Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura and Vrindavan is also making an impact. Flow of tourists and pilgrims has increased to these places due to which state revenue has gone up.
Moreover, the business community in these towns is happy. Amid an atmosphere charged with religious fervour, Congress is unable to take an unambiguous stand on the Ram Mandir. Instead, Rahul Gandhi is embarking on a Bharat Nyay Yatra. Analysts say that this yatra should have been started quite earlier. The Congress will be in for more embarrassment if Rahul makes any controversial statement during the yatra. Congress should understand that postponing decisions will not serve any purpose in today’s politics.
Congress needs to understand the feelings of the majority community of the country. It should fight the battle on its own instead of taking the support of others.