Eye on Polls?

The Ram temple inauguration may certainly influence the processes and outcomes of the upcoming General Elections 

- Badri Narayan

THE Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya—the inauguration of the Ram temple—is a crucial cultural and religious moment for the country. It may have multiple implications. First, the temple, which will emerge as an important pilgrimage site, is going to have a significant cultural and civilisational impact on Hindu communities in India and abroad. Second, it may evolve as a major tourist destination for people belonging to various religious faiths. Third, it may emerge as a symbol of pride for Hindus across the world. This sense of pride may have a mobilisational impact, too, which is likely to have social and political implications in the coming years.

Since my area of expertise is political anthropology based analysis, people keep asking me—what will be the political implications of the Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya? The event will indeed have a deep impact on Indian politics. It may certainly influence the processes and outcomes of the upcoming General Elections. Both, the parties in power, as well as those sitting in the Opposition will be impacted by the inauguration of the temple.