PM Modi Attends 'Surya Tilak' Ritual in Ayodhya Amid Chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 'Surya Tilak' ritual at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction site in Ayodhya on Monday. The ritual, which involves applying a tilak (mark) on the forehead with sacred ashes, was conducted by priests amidst chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' from the gathered crowd.

The Prime Minister's visit to Ayodhya comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the construction of the Ram temple is expected to be a key issue. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by PM Modi in August 2020, following the Supreme Court's verdict in the long-standing Ayodhya land dispute case.

During his visit, PM Modi also offered prayers at the makeshift temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and other BJP leaders.

The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been a long-standing demand of the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The temple is being built at the site where the 16th-century Babri Masjid once stood before it was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992.

Why this matters: The Ram temple issue has been a polarizing one in Indian politics, with the BJP using it as a key plank in its electoral campaigns. PM Modi's visit to Ayodhya and participation in the ritual is seen as a move to consolidate the party's Hindu vote bank ahead of the pivotal 2024 general elections.

Speaking to reporters after the ritual, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is progressing rapidly, and it will be a symbol of national honor once completed." The temple is expected to be open to devotees by December 2023, just months before the Lok Sabha polls.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi participated in 'Surya Tilak' ritual at Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya.
• Visit comes ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with Ram temple as key electoral issue.
• Ram temple construction is a long-standing demand of BJP and its ideological parent, RSS.
• PM's visit seen as move to consolidate Hindu vote bank ahead of 2024 elections.
• Temple expected to be open by Dec 2023, months before Lok Sabha polls.