India’s Ayodhya 2.0: Leveraging anti-Muslim narratives amid economic challenges
Humayun Aziz Sandeela
“BJP’s reliance on communal narratives stems from its struggle to deliver on economic promises. Rising unemployment, inflation, and economic disparities have eroded public confidence in the party’s economic governance. By reigniting religious disputes, the BJP aims to divert attention from these issues and consolidate its Hindu voter base”
Humayun Aziz Sandeela
India’s political landscape has long been shaped by religious and communal undertones, a phenomenon deeply embedded in the strategies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Facing challenges in sustaining its economic narrative, the BJP has reverted to its polarizing anti-Muslim rhetoric, marked by the revival of disputes surrounding mosques across the country. This strategy, popularly referred to as “Ayodhya 2.0,” builds on the legacy of the Babri Masjid case, seeking to solidify the party’s voter base ahead of crucial elections (Scroll.in).
The Babri Masjid Case: A Historical Precedent
The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya became the epicenter of India’s communal politics in 1992 when it was demolished by a mob led by Hindutva groups. The BJP, alongside its ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserted that the mosque was built atop Lord Ram’s birthplace. This act sparked nationwide riots, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. Despite the violence, the BJP’s political gains were significant; its parliamentary seats surged from 85 in 1989 to 161 in 1996.
In a landmark 2019 judgment, the Supreme Court of India awarded the disputed land to Hindu claimants while acknowledging the illegal demolition of the mosque. The verdict was widely criticized for favoring majoritarian sentiments over legal principles, setting a precedent for future claims targeting Muslim places of worship.
Rising Cases Against Mosques
Since the Babri Masjid verdict, there has been a sharp rise in disputes over mosques, with many Hindu groups filing claims based on alleged historical grievances. These cases often allege that mosques were built by demolishing Hindu temples, a narrative propagated by Hindutva organizations. According to a 2023 report, over 200 mosques have faced legal or political challenges in the past decade, a stark increase compared to earlier years.
| Mosque | Filer | Claim | Current Status |
| Babri Masjid | Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) | Birthplace of Ram | Land awarded to Hindus |
| Gyanvapi Mosque | Hindu groups | Alleged temple remnants | Ongoing in courts |
| Shahi Idgah, Mathura | Local Hindu activists | Krishna’s birthplace | Preliminary hearings |
| Haji Ali Dargah | Local civic authorities | Encroachment | Partial demolition |
| Various in Gujarat | State/local authorities | Loudspeaker bans, prayer restrictions | Local court rulings |
Notable Cases
Gyanvapi Mosque, Varanasi
Claim: Hindu groups allege that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Vishwanath temple.
Filer: Local Hindu activists.
Status: The case is under judicial review, with the court ordering a survey of the site.
Shahi Idgah, Mathura
Claim: Alleged birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Filer: Hindu organizations.
Status: Preliminary hearings underway.
Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai
Claim: Encroachment on public land.
Filer: Local civic authorities influenced by Hindutva groups.
Status: Partial demolition carried out.
Mosques in Gujarat
Claim: Loudspeaker use and land encroachment.
Filer: State authorities.
Status: Restrictions imposed by local courts.
Judicial Role and Criticism
India’s judiciary has faced criticism for its handling of mosque-related disputes. While the courts have occasionally ruled in favor of preserving the secular fabric, many judgments appear to align with majoritarian demands (The Hindu). The Babri Masjid verdict, in particular, highlighted the judiciary’s challenges in balancing historical grievances with contemporary legal principles. Similar trends are evident in ongoing cases, where judicial orders often accommodate surveys and petitions favoring Hindu claims.
The Political Context: BJP’s Strategy
The BJP’s reliance on communal narratives stems from its struggle to deliver on economic promises. Rising unemployment, inflation, and economic disparities have eroded public confidence in the party’s economic governance. By reigniting religious disputes, the BJP aims to divert attention from these issues and consolidate its Hindu voter base.
This strategy aligns with the RSS’s long-term vision of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation), where cultural and religious dominance supersede secular principles. The focus on mosques serves as a symbolic assertion of this vision, resonating with the BJP’s core supporters.
Implications for India’s Secularism
The rise in mosque-related disputes poses significant challenges to India’s secular identity. It undermines communal harmony, deepens societal divisions, and erodes the rule of law. Furthermore, the judicial endorsement of majoritarian claims risks setting dangerous precedents, encouraging similar disputes over other religious structures (Al Jazeera).
India’s “Ayodhya 2.0” reflects a calculated political strategy that leverages religious polarization to sustain electoral dominance. The surge in cases against mosques, coupled with judicial complicity, underscores the systemic challenges to India’s secular framework. Addressing these issues requires a reaffirmation of constitutional principles, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over communal agendas.
References
Scroll.in. (2023). From Ayodhya 1992 to Delhi 2020, mosques have been long targeted by BJP’s politics. Retrieved from Scroll
The Hindu. (2023). Judicial responses to religious disputes in India. Retrieved from The Hindu
Al Jazeera. (2023). India’s rising communal tensions and mosque controversies. Retrieved from Al Jazeera
