Rahul Gandhi Claims I.N.D.I. Alliance Defeated Ram Janmabhoomi Movement in Ayodhya

Ahmedabad, July 7, 2024 – In a bold and contentious statement, Rahul Gandhi, the prominent leader of the Congress party, declared that the Congress and other parties within the I.N.D.I. Alliance have successfully defeated the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, a significant and emotive campaign which led to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Addressing a gathering of Congress workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Gandhi remarked, “The movement which was initiated by Lal Krishna Advani and had its epicenter in Ayodhya has been defeated by the I.N.D.I. Alliance in Ayodhya.”

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, spearheaded by the BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, has been one of the most polarizing and transformative events in Indian political history. The movement, which began in the late 1980s, sought the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram at the disputed site in Ayodhya. This culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict, which paved the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir.

Gandhi’s assertion that the I.N.D.I. Alliance, an umbrella coalition of various opposition parties, has defeated this movement comes at a time when the political climate in India is highly charged. The statement is likely to stir significant controversy and debate, particularly among supporters of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi’s speech emphasized the alliance’s commitment to secularism and its opposition to what he described as the divisive politics of the BJP. He argued that the I.N.D.I. Alliance’s success in Ayodhya symbolizes a broader victory for secular and inclusive values against communalism.

Reactions to Gandhi’s statement have been swift. BJP leaders have condemned his remarks, arguing that the construction of the Ram Mandir is a fulfillment of a long-standing promise and a matter of deep faith for millions of Hindus. They have accused Gandhi of trying to undermine a significant cultural and religious achievement for political gain.

Political analysts suggest that Gandhi’s comments could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming elections, potentially galvanizing both his supporters and detractors. The statement underscores the deep ideological divides that continue to shape Indian politics.

As the I.N.D.I. Alliance gears up for the next general elections, Gandhi’s bold proclamation is likely to be a central theme in the political discourse, with parties on both sides of the aisle using it to rally their bases and shape their campaign narratives.