The inauguration of Ram temple marks a significant shift in Indian politics

New Delhi: The political landscape in India is undergoing a seismic shift with the imminent inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strategically devised an outreach plan, taking advantage of the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unite the diverse Hindu coalition. Meanwhile, the opposition is struggling to formulate a united response to this political game-changer.

In the cold mornings of Lucknow, BJP workers like Suresh Kumar are implementing the party’s micro plan with full enthusiasm. Armed with bags of akshat (raw rice offered to the Lord), they roam around the neighbourhood, offering invitations for the temple consecration ceremony. The response has been overwhelming, with residents enthusiastically adopting the initiative. This grassroots approach aims to establish relationships with families while laying the groundwork for the upcoming general elections.

Simultaneously, in rural areas, challenges emerge for the opposition represented by the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). People like Suresh Bharti face the tough challenge of countering the reach of the BJP. BJP’s strategy of saffronizing Dalit communities and highlighting welfare schemes seems to be resonating. Modi’s leadership charm, seamless blend of religion and politics, has created an enthusiastic base, including individuals like Rohit Kumar, who now sees Modi as a spiritual guide.

The BJP is strategically weaving the Ram temple into its narrative, which is a symbol of unity among different castes. The plans include installing statues of eminent personalities like Valmiki, Shabari and Nishadraj in the temple, which will promote the spirit of inclusivity. The party’s multi-pronged approach includes ministers cleaning temples, distributing booklets and facilitating pilgrim visits to maintain the temple’s resonance till the elections.

On the opposition front, parties like Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are moving ahead cautiously. Countering the BJP’s narrative, he underlined his Hindu credentials by emphasizing issues like unemployment, law and order and poverty.

As India approaches this critical moment, beyond electoral politics, the intersection of faith and politics is entering uncharted territory. The inauguration of the Ram Temple marks not only the fulfillment of the BJP’s promise but also a potential shift towards majoritarianism, forcing both supporters and critics to consider the evolving role of religion in Indian politics.