It is an irony that in 22 years since Babri Masjid in India’s Ayodhya was demolished by Hindu extremists, the issue has triggered many controversies, debates and communal clashes of varying nature.
As Dec. 6 (the day when the mosque was pulled down) approaches every year, the small town of Ayodhya, as also many other sensitive parts of the country, are virtually turned into a fortress, ostensibly to prevent any communal clash. In 1992, communal riots occurred in most parts of the country. Paradoxically, despite the issue still remaining unresolved, and prospects of actual justice being rendered in near future being practically non-existent, the socio-political attitude of common Indians regarding it is no more than what it was then.
Undeniably, this year too, fear persisted that the country might once again be in grip of communal tension, yet the day passed off peacefully. Muslim organizations however observed the ‘black day’ demanding justice and reminding the country that justice was still awaited. Hindu organizations under the aegis of saffron brigades held demonstrations to vent their an anti-Muslim stand getting considerable media coverage.
Around two decades ago, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) played a major role in provoking communal frenzy over the issue. With the party in power now, saffron activists were overconfident that they could pursue their communal agenda. The ruling BJP however exercised restrain this time. The BJP appears to have realized that howsoever hard its extremist saffron associates try and spread communal venom over religious issues, its impact was least likely to be as severe as it was 22 years ago. Besides, any such communal tension that would vitiate the socio-political atmosphere can also damage the political image of this party. At present, BJP is hard put to afford any such risk.
Hindus view Ayodhya as birthplace of their deity Ram. In 1992, it was not a difficult task for the BJP leader LK Advani to attract Hindu crowds to his rath yatra (a communal chariot procession) to evoke emotional sentiments for the temple. But this seems now history. In two decades, India has come a long way. A major role has been played by several means of communication technology including TV, mobile phone and Internet in changing socio-political attitude of ordinary citizens. Thanks to this communication revolution, it is no longer an easy task for most political leaders to dupe people about their goals and agenda. It may be recalled, nearly a decade ago, when Gujarat carnage took place, this very media played a major part in bringing live to the people about what was happening there. Rather than getting swayed by a similar stage of communal frenzy, people outside Gujarat exercised caution and wisely refrained from falling victim to any communal conflict.
Differences still prevail among parties and various sections of people regarding their respective stands on Ayodhya issue. But prospects of their differences provoking them to a stage of communal frenzy have now practically ceased to prevail.
