Lord Shri Rama - A Symbol of Faith, Unity, Brotherhood, and Peace

In 1526, the Battle of Panipat unfolded between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi, resulting in Babur's victory and Ibrahim Lodhi's defeat. Subsequently, in 1528, the First Mughal Emperor, Babur, ordered the construction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The issue of the Sri Ram Mandir gained prominence through the efforts of the BJP, culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid by Kar Sewaks in 1992. Following a court judgment, the construction of the Sri Ram Mandir gained momentum, leading to the "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony scheduled for January 22, 2024, marking the installation of the idol of Lord Rama (Ram Lala). After nearly 496 years, the Shri Ram Mandir will be inaugurated, evoking a sense of joy and celebration.

The question arises: Can the inauguration of the Shree Ram Mandir pave an easy path for the BJP to achieve a two-thirds majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2024? Speculations suggest that the inauguration might sway two to three percent of votes in favor of the BJP. As of now, the Opposition is yet to finalize seat adjustments in their alliance with other political parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively working to expand the BJP's vote bank in South India, aiming to influence the political landscape in the region.

Uttar Pradesh, the country's largest state with 80 parliamentary seats, is crucial for the BJP's electoral performance, not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in Northern India. Opposition parties are adopting a wait-and-watch policy, strategizing on how to woo voters amid potential polarization in the 2024 elections.

Political parties must articulate their agendas, policies, and programs to connect with the masses. Narendra Modi is already emphasizing the numerous achievements and policy implementations during his tenure, particularly in the economic and foreign policy domains, steering India towards development and global recognition.

The clarity on the outcome of the 2024 parliamentary elections is delayed due to the opposition parties' hesitancy in finalizing seat adjustments. In the event of multi-corner contests, the BJP might gain a significant advantage, especially as the BSP has declared its intent to contest the elections independently, without forming any alliances.

The Union Government has declared a half-day holiday in government and semi-government offices to allow people to participate in the celebrations of the Shri Ram Temple's inauguration at Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Religious and social organizations are actively organizing events, distributing prasad, and celebrating across various cities. The public is enthusiastically preparing to mark the occasion by adorning their houses with lights, diyas, and candles on the evening of January 22, 2024.

Author:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru,
Senior Journalist,
Jalandhar City.