India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI–Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has said that the government should not politicise or patronize the Ram Temple inauguration, nor should it allow the polarization of the society through consecration event of the temple.
The inauguration, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set for January 22, 2024, just a few months before the forthcoming parliamentary elections in April-May this year.
JIH Vice President Prof. Mohammed Salim Engineer made this comment while addressing media persons at the JIH headquarters here today. He also spoke about various current issues, including concerns about India’s transition towards an illiberal democracy, the implications of the Telecom Bill 2023, and the staggering death toll in Gaza exceeding 22,000.
Prof. Salim condemned the apparent transformation of the temple inauguration event into what he referred to as a “BJP election programme” and a political rally for the Prime Minister.
Stating that the Supreme court in 2019 verdict had admitted the mosque wasn’t built after demolishing any temple, and that both the idol installation in 1949 and mosque demolition in 1992 were illegal; Professor Salim expressed strong apprehension over the politicization of the Ram Mandir inauguration event. Labeling it as a means of reaping electoral dividends and criticizing its use as a tool for political propaganda, Salim said, “the consecration program is becoming a glaring example of how religion can be misused by some politicians.”
Appealing to both Muslims and the general populace not to lose hope, he urged them not to fall prey to traps or disappointments. Instead, he asked them to focus on building bridges and fostering an environment of peace, brotherhood, and communal harmony. He emphasized that we should all work together to run the country, as this nation belongs to all religious groups. He further highlighted that the government should not favour any specific religion, as our constitution also prohibits such discrimination.
Prof. Salim criticized the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for managing the temple, for inviting politicians and government officials to the ceremony. According to him, the situation could have been different if the event had been conducted solely by the temple trust, urging politicians, bureaucrats, and elected representatives to refrain from participating. He suggested that the inauguration should have been strictly confined to a “religious ceremony” without any political speeches, posters, or slogans to avoid controversy.
Taking strong exception to the comparison made by the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust – equating the upcoming inauguration of the Ram temple with Independence Day – Prof. Salim described such comparisons as erroneous and mischievous, attempting to set an “us versus them” narrative and polarize the country along religious lines.
The JIH leader called on the ruling dispensation to uphold their oath of office, emphasizing the duty to “duly and faithfully perform the duties of the office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and uphold the Constitution and the laws” of the country.
The JIH’s remarks come amid growing concerns about rising religious tensions in India. The upcoming Ram Mandir inauguration is a highly anticipated event, and its politicization could exacerbate these tensions.
The JIH press briefing also discussed other issues like the passing of the Telecom Bill 2023 and rising deaths in Gaza and alleging India is becoming an illiberal democracy under the current government. The JIH leader also condemned Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, urging the international community to intervene and establish a ceasefire.
