ANI
As Ayodhya eagerly awaits Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on August 5 for the foundation laying ceremony of the Ram temple, it's crucial to reminisce about the pioneers who laid the groundwork for this historic moment. The Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which gained momentum in the 1980s, involved several key figures who played instrumental roles. Here are 10 forgotten champions of the Ayodhya movement, shaping the narrative and political landscape.
Naman to Lal Krishna Advani ji pic.twitter.com/PAIBF1v9Qg
— JeM!N Panchal (@jemin_p) January 21, 2024
The original 'poster-boy' of Hindutva, Lal Krishna Advani spearheaded the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi campaign. His nationwide roadshow from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990, conducted in a chariot-like Toyota bus, generated massive support for the construction of the Ram temple. Advani still faces a criminal trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
A strategic planner for the BJP, Pramod Mahajan's political acumen was crucial during the Vajpayee-Advani era. He suggested the rathyatra instead of a padyatra for Advani and played a key role in executing it alongside emerging leader Narendra Modi.
Goosebumps moment 🔥
— Right Singh (@rightwingchora) January 21, 2024
When ashok singhal ji said
“Mandir wahin banayenge use koi takat nahi rok sakti”
pic.twitter.com/NI9KxTHAKH
An untiring leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ashok Singhal devoted his efforts to building public support for the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign. Chief architect of the Ram Mandir movement, Singhal's leadership continued until his retirement in 2011.
MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI
— Kewal singh (@Kewalsinghkp) January 22, 2024
Murli Manohar Joshi was the "professor" of the BJP during 1980s and 1990s. In 1992, Murli Manohar Joshi was with Advani when Babri Masjid was demolished. He too is facing a trial in the case. pic.twitter.com/MlNF5VO6Sb
Known as the "professor" of the BJP, Murli Manohar Joshi was present at the Babri Masjid site during its demolition in 1992. A photograph of him hugging Uma Bharti captured the nation's attention.
Only 80s & earlier born will remember the rousing speeches of Uma Bharti & Sadhvi Ritambhra that united Hindus across the country for Ram Mandir❗️
— RapperPandit (@RapperPandit) December 6, 2023
When there was no social media , only Radio, cassettes and Govt controlled Doordarshan !
'Kaho Garv se Hum Hindu hai' pic.twitter.com/v1ZlFRD5Bz
A prominent woman leader of the Ram Mandir movement, Uma Bharti faced indictment by the Liberahan Commission for her role in the Babri Masjid demolition. Despite attempts to project the event as exclusive to the BJP, she emphasized that Lord Ram belongs to all.
Whenever I listen to Sadhvi Ritambhara ji, I feel like how can somebody be so wonderful... There's something in her voice...
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) January 21, 2024
Listen to what she says about the allegations regarding 'why Modi ji is doing #RamMandirPranPratishta' when some part of the temple is yet to be built." pic.twitter.com/r3PGHGyc4J
A firebrand Hindutva leader, Sadhvi Ritambhara played a significant role in the pre-Babri Masjid phase of the Ram Mandir movement. Her impassioned speeches, widely distributed on audio cassettes, contributed to the movement's momentum.
“No regret. No repentance. No sorrow. No grief.”
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 21, 2024
~ Kalyan Singh 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PbwvST8re2
As the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh played a pivotal regional role in the Ayodhya campaign. He was in office on December 6, 1992, during the Babri Masjid demolition, defending the state government's decision not to use force against karsevaks.
#WATCH | On Congress saying 'incomplete' Ram temple being inaugurated, BJP leader and Bajrang Dal founder Vinay Katiyar says, "They can come to the temple for darshan when they think that the temple is ready...This (Pran Pratishtha ceremony) is a religious program, not a BJP &… pic.twitter.com/nMd0OcW8Yn
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024
A firebrand Bajrang Dal leader, Vinay Katiyar became the general secretary of the BJP after the Ram Mandir movement. His political stature grew, serving in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
In Kushinagar Uttar Pradesh, International Hindu Parishad (AHP) chief Praveen Togadia gave a hate speech calling for revenge and occupation of mosques in Mathura and Kashi.#UttamSanskar #GrantParole #Iran #Annapoorani #IndianCulture #SaintMSG pic.twitter.com/oAX5yAZZJx
— Riffat wani 🍁 (@FrwaChaudhry) January 19, 2024
Known for his aggressive speeches, Praveen Togadia built his Hindutva image during the Ram Mandir campaign. Taking over the VHP after Ashok Singhal, Togadia found himself on the sidelines as Advani's influence declined.
An industrialist deeply involved in Hindutva politics, Vishnu Hari Dalmiya played a crucial role in the Ram Mandir campaign. Co-accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, Dalmiya passed away in January 2019 at the age of 91.
As Ayodhya witnesses the momentous Bhoomi Pujan, it's essential to remember these forgotten champions who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of history.
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