Leave AYODHYA Alone

VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) once again blew the trumpets for amplifying its rhetoric of Ram temple at Ayodhya. This time it was in form of the ’84 Kosi Yatra’. The ruling Samajwadi Party’s crackdown on it brought about its failure but more than that it was something else that made VHP’s so called ‘Yatra’ a flop show. 

The Hindu sants severely criticized the timing and the political motive of the Yatra.

The local people of Ayodhya dismissed it completely.

This might have been a blow for VHP but is an evidence of a better, matured and an understanding India. In 1992 VHP accompanied by BJP had stormed Ayodhya which eventually resulted in Babri Masjid demolition. Repercussions that followed continue to be a blot on India and its tag of secularism. But times have changed and Indians have moved on. Development has become the most vital aspect and people are using it as the sole yardstick for any organization (party) demanding their support. Modern India is clever enough to dig out the motives of a yatra, such as the one organized by VHP. At a time when economy is tumbling, every Indian would desire for some sort of respite from inflation, poverty and multi thronged issues of the society. Exhorting for a religious structure that also at a highly disputed land and in process inviting communal violence is the last thing wanted. Igniting communalism can only give India miseries. Growth and that too inclusive is the need of the hour. Public fury on closed shops, disrupted transportation, and slew of barricades in Ayodhya made the stance of India crystal clear. It means that politics in garb of religion is not going to be entertained any longer by the common man. 

Work is worship and it is better that everyone did that, rather than holding processions for ‘no need’ issues. There are hundreds of far important problems which can be attended to rather than the one dealt by the VHP.

The political parties supporting Ram Mandir also need to gauge the affect of their support on their vote banks. It may garner votes of few more Hindus but the risk of losing on minority votes is alarming. At a time when India is struggling with numerous and diversified issues, politics on communal lines can badly backfire. Both majority and minority groups can turn their back on parties which don’t score on core development of the society. This may be the reason why BJP (the so called sister organization of VHP) was mum on VHP’s Yatra!

More than anything else VHP should respect the religious sanctity of Hindus. Why to play politics in name of Ram? They are most welcome to build a temple on any non disputed land of India. Obstinacy of building the temple at the much disputed place in Ayodhya shows extremes of identity politics and this should be dealt with a heavy hand. India has witnessed enough riots between Hindus and Muslims. No further seeds of communalism should be allowed to be sown in India. 

As for VHP (Praveen Togadia, Ashok Singhal) and its supporters I would like to dedicate a few lines of a beautiful song from the film Swades –

Ram Hi To Karuna Mein Hai, Shanti Mein Ram Hain Ram Hi Hai Ekta Mein, Pragati Mein Ram Hain Ram Bas Bhakton Nahin, Shatru Ke Bhi Chintan Mein Hain Dekh Taj Ke Paap Raavan, Ram Tere Man Mein Hain Ram Tere Man Mein Hain, Ram Mere Man Mein Hain Ram To Ghar Ghar Mein Hain, Ram Har Aangan Mein Hain Man Se Rawan Jo Nikale, Ram Usake Man Mein Hain Pal Pal Hai Bhari, Woh Vipda Hai Aayee Mohe Bachane Ab Aao Raghurai Suno Ram Ji Aae, More Ram Ji Aae Raja Ramchandra AaYeh, Shri Ramchandra Aayee Ram Ji Aae, More Ram Ji Aae Shri Ramchandra Aae...Ho... ( Suno Ram Ji Aae, More Ram Ji Aae Shri Ramchandra Ji Aae, Ho