Ramjanmabhoomi Movement Reclaimed Secularism: Advani

NEW DELHI: In an article penned on Saturday, veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, one of the flag bearers of the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, said that the movement, originally centered around the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, also became a powerful symbol of "reclaiming the true meaning of secularism from the onslaught of pseudo-secularism." Advani, a key proponent of the movement, is set to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22.

Advani, 96, conveyed that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Lord Ram, it represents "every citizen of our great Bharat." His article, titled 'Shri Ram Mandir: Fulfilment of a divine dream,' delves into the significant debate that arose during the movement, while stressing the distinction between genuine secularism and pseudo-secularism.

Recalling the inception of the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990, Advani pointed out the dichotomy where popular support surged for the movement, yet many political parties refrained from endorsing it due to fears of losing Muslim votes. According to Advani, these parties succumbed to the allure of vote-bank politics, justifying it in the name of secularism.

Consequently, the Ayodhya issue, primarily focused on the reconstruction of the Ramjanmabhoomi temple, evolved into a symbol of reclaiming the true essence of secularism.

As the nation gears up for the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Advani said that the entire country is now enveloped in a "Ram-maya" atmosphere. He deemed this moment as one of fulfillment, not just as a proud member of the RSS and the BJP but also as a proud citizen of India.

Advani expressed his gratitude for being blessed to witness the historic occasion in his lifetime. He felt that the temple would inspire all Indians to emulate Shri Ram's virtues. Additionally, he prayed for India to continue its path towards global prominence while embodying dignity and decorum in all aspects of life.

Reflecting on the protracted legal battle over the Ayodhya land dispute, Advani acknowledged the Supreme Court's decisive verdict in November 2019, ensuring the reconstruction of Shri Ram Mandir in a tranquil environment.

Now in the final stages of completion, Advani thanked Prime Minister Modi-led government, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, RSS, BJP, and countless individuals associated with the movement, including saints, leaders, and kar sevaks.

Notably, Advani conveyed his profound sense of loss for two individuals — his late wife Kamla and former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee. He described Vajpayee as an integral part of his life, both politically and personally, sharing an "unbreakable and everlasting bond of mutual trust, affection, and respect." Similarly, Kamla, his late wife, was acknowledged as a pillar of stability and unmatched strength throughout his extensive public life.

In concluding remarks, Advani stressed that the Ramjanmabhoomi movement marked a major watershed in post-1947 India. He humbly acknowledged his pivotal role in the movement, particularly through the Ram Rath Yatra of 1990, which played a crucial role in propelling the BJP to the center stage of national politics, ultimately leading to the formation of its first Central government in the late 1990s under Vajpayee's leadership.