January 22, 2024, the inauguration of the Ram Temple took place at the historic site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The location, marred by a tumultuous history from 1527 to 1992, witnessed riots claiming two thousand lives, predominantly Muslims. Instead of restoring the mosque, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the temple, sparking a wave of celebrations covered extensively by Indian media, while international outlets, like American TV CNN, shed light on the anxiety and grief among Ayodhya’s Muslim community.
Prime Minister Modi, at the center of the celebration, inaugurated the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in the presence of seven thousand influencers from various spheres. However, this momentous occasion revived the wounds of the Babri Masjid demolition, serving as a stark reminder of the religious violence that occurred 31 years ago.
The 2019 Supreme Court decision paved the way for the Ram temple and allocated land in Dhanpur village, about 25 km away, for another mosque for the Muslim community. Despite this gesture, concerns persist among Muslims, fearing a resurgence of religious violence following the temple inauguration.
The American Journal Time observes a significant absence: for the first time since independence, there is no Muslim cabinet minister or MP in India’s ruling party. Uttar Pradesh, where Ayodhya is located, governed by a saffron-clad Hindu sadhu, heightening concerns among the Muslim community.
Muslims express palpable unease, as Outlook magazine captures their sentiments, with memories of violence and a desire for peace. Questions persist about justice for Babri Masjid violence victims, and the community seeks reassurance amid political turmoil.
International media, including TRT World, highlights the political undercurrents, pointing to electoral motives behind the Ram temple construction by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 2024 elections. Rumors of Muslims evicted from the temple compound add to the prevailing unease.
Al Jazeera emphasizes the political dimensions, linking the event to Modi’s reelection campaign in the upcoming national elections. The Associated Press highlights the timing, noting the controversial inauguration preceding the spring elections.
Indian media accused of downplaying the illegal demolition of the Babri Masjid amid extensive coverage. The Guardian declares Modi’s election campaign an unofficial start, with the BJP focusing on Hindu religious sentiment, while senior Hindu priests and shrine leaders abstain from attending the event.
