:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/MJBJSNMVOKC3LIAFCBW7EPDTWM.jpg "Narendra Modi inaugurated a lavish Hindu temple on the ruins of a mosque: “Finally the god Rama has arrived”")
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Hindu temple in Ayodhya on Monday, a long-disputed site claimed by the Muslim community. Amid the controversy and extensive security measures, Modi assured the public that the event would bring peace.
Modi praised the construction of the temple, calling it a symbol of peace, patience, and harmony in Indian society. He also acknowledged the historical significance of the moment, saying that it marked the “dawn of a new era” for India.
The temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Rama, has been a source of tension between Hindus and Muslims for centuries. In 1992, a Muslim demonstration led to the destruction of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya by a Hindu mob, sparking widespread violence in India.
The dispute over the ownership of the site was settled in 2019 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Hindus. However, the court also declared the demolition of the mosque a “flagrant violation of the rule of law” and allotted Muslims another piece of land in Ayodhya to build a mosque.
Modi’s inauguration of the new temple comes shortly before scheduled elections and has sparked both celebration and controversy. While many Hindus welcome the construction as a long-awaited victory, others have criticized the move as divisive and detrimental to India’s social conscience.
As the prime minister celebrated the occasion, he emphasized that Rama, who now has a temple, “will stop living in a tent.” Despite the criticism, Modi expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for upholding the dignity of Indian legislation and reiterated that Rama’s existence is deeply rooted in the country’s constitutional foundation.
The disputed town of Ayodhya has long been a symbol of religious and cultural tensions in India, and the construction of the temple is a significant milestone in the country’s history. Amid the ongoing controversies, Modi’s assurance that the event will bring peace is a stance that will be closely observed in the days to come.