As Ayodhya eagerly awaits Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit on August 5 for the foundation laying ceremony of the Ram temple, its 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, 2024Lal Krishna AdvaniThe 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.Pramod MahajanPramod MahajanA strategic planner for the BJP, Pramod Mahajans 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 🔥When ashok singhal ji said“Mandir wahin banayenge use koi takat nahi rok sakti”pic.twitter.com/NI9KxTHAKH— Right Singh (@rightwingchora) January 21, 2024Ashok SinghalAn 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, Singhals leadership continued until his retirement in 2011.MURLI MANOHAR JOSHIMurli 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— Kewal singh (@Kewalsinghkp) January 22, 2024Murli Manohar JoshiKnown 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 nations attention.Only 80s & earlier born will remember the rousing speeches of Uma Bharti & Sadhvi Ritambhra that united Hindus across the country for Ram Mandir❗️When there was no social media , only Radio, cassettes and Govt controlled Doordarshan !Kaho Garv se Hum Hindu hai pic.twitter.com/v1ZlFRD5Bz— RapperPandit (@RapperPandit) December 6, 2023Uma BhartiA 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... Theres something in her voice...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— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) January 21, 2024Sadhvi RitambharaA 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 movements momentum.“No regret. No repentance. No sorrow. No grief.”~ Kalyan Singh 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PbwvST8re2— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 21, 2024Kalyan SinghAs 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 governments 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, 2024Vinay KatiyarA 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, 2024Praveen TogadiaKnown 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 Advanis influence declined.Vishnu Hari Dalmia Vishnu Hari DalmiyaAn 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, its essential to remember these forgotten champions who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of history.
