The hallowed grounds of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple became the scene of a shocking confrontation when a group reportedly tried to perform namaz there, drawing fierce backlash from BJP stalwarts who termed it ‘a grave threat to national unity.’
Just months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the pran pratishtha ceremony, this audacious bid has reopened wounds from the temple’s contentious history. Security teams swiftly intervened, escorting the individuals out and averting a larger clash.
In Parliament, BJP floor leaders raised the issue during zero hour, demanding a nationwide crackdown on similar anti-social elements. ‘Ram Mandir is not just a building; it’s the soul of Bharat. Polluting it with unrelated rituals is unforgivable,’ asserted one MP.
Senior leader and former UP CM Kalyan Singh’s son, Surya Pratap Shahi, who holds a cabinet berth, warned of ‘sleeper cells’ working to provoke riots. He advocated for amending laws to impose harsher penalties for religious trespassing.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has invoked sections dealing with outraging religious feelings and unlawful assembly. Sources indicate the suspects might have links to fringe groups, though no official confirmation yet.
This isn’t the first such scare post-construction. Earlier reports of unauthorized gatherings had prompted the deployment of additional forces. The temple trust, overseeing daily operations, reaffirmed that only Hindu rituals are permitted within the complex.
Civil society groups and Hindu organizations have rallied behind the BJP’s outrage, organizing peaceful protests in Ayodhya and beyond. Meanwhile, the central government is monitoring developments to ensure they don’t spiral into broader unrest.
In a broader context, the incident highlights the delicate balance India maintains between freedom of religion and site-specific sanctity. BJP’s aggressive response aims to send a clear message: sacred spaces will be defended at all costs. As investigations unfold, the nation hopes for swift justice and restored tranquility.