Ayodhya: Controversial Temple to Unveil at India's Divisive Religious Divide

Santosh Dubey, a religious worker, expresses no regrets for his involvement in the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya, India in 1992. He believes it was his religious duty and not a crime. The event was marked by violence and deep religious division, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. However, the controversial ceremony to open a new temple dedicated to Lord Ram, a revered Hindu deity, is scheduled to take place, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event is seen as a way for Modi to garner support from India's Hindu majority ahead of the upcoming elections. While Hindus celebrate the occasion as a festival, Muslims fear tensions and have concerns for their safety. The demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in 1992 fueled the rise of the Hindu right-wing, which now holds significant political power in India. The mosque's destruction was rooted in the belief that it was built over a destroyed Hindu temple. Despite facing charges and time in jail, no one has been convicted for the demolition. Muslims view the event as a day of terror, with many facing violence and displacement. The construction of the new temple has come at a significant cost and has raised questions about the government's priorities. Muslims feel marginalized and left out of the decision-making process. The dispute over the mosque is not an isolated incident and similar conflicts exist in other cities, suggesting that Ayodhya is just the beginning. The long-term impact on Hindu-Muslim relations remains uncertain, but many people on both sides view it as a localized issue rather than a catalyst for broader hostilities. However, some Hindus hope that other disputed sites, such as those in Mathura and Varanasi, will be resolved in their favor in the future.