Ram temple

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a long-standing and contentious issue in Indian politics and society. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, holds immense cultural and religious significance for millions of Hindus in India and around the world. It has also been a focal point of political discourse, involving key players such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The dispute over the site in Ayodhya dates back several centuries, with Hindus believing it to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and the location of a temple that was destroyed in the 16th century by the Mughal emperor Babur. The issue came to the forefront of Indian politics in the 1980s when the VHP, an affiliate of the RSS, launched a campaign to reclaim the site and build a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram. This campaign ignited a fervor among Hindus who believed in the restoration of the temple.

The political journey of the Ram Temple issue has been closely intertwined with the rise of the BJP, a right-wing political party with strong links to the RSS. The BJP, under the leadership of leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, made the construction of the Ram Temple a central plank of its political agenda. The movement culminated in the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992 by Hindu extremists, leading to widespread violence and communal tension.

Subsequently, the issue remained a key point of contention in Indian politics, with various court cases and negotiations taking place over the years. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, with a resounding electoral victory, made significant strides in resolving the dispute. The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, ruled in favor of the construction of the Ram Temple and allocated a separate piece of land to the Muslim community for the construction of a mosque.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya holds immense cultural importance for Hindus, who consider Lord Ram as a revered deity and a symbol of righteousness. The temple complex, designed in an architectural style reminiscent of ancient Indian temples, is expected to be a grand tribute to the cultural and religious heritage of the country. Its construction is seen as a fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for millions of Hindus.

The Ram Temple project also aims to promote tourism and boost the local economy in Ayodhya, turning it into a prominent pilgrimage destination. It symbolizes the revival of India's ancient cultural traditions and heritage.

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a journey marked by political maneuvering, legal battles, and social tensions. It reflects the complex interplay of politics and religion in India, with the BJP, RSS, and VHP playing pivotal roles in the push for the temple's construction. While it holds deep cultural significance for Hindus, it has also been a source of controversy and division in Indian society.

As the temple takes shape in Ayodhya, it remains to be seen how it will impact India's political landscape and societal dynamics. The Ram Temple stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between faith, politics, and the rule of law in a diverse and pluralistic democracy like India.

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RAM TEMPLE NEWS

ram mandir, ayodhya ram mandir, ram mandir thefts, ram temple

Theft at Ram Temple is betrayal of public trust. Reform must follow

July 10, 2026 6:43 pm

When burglars break in, owners are not punished. The same should apply to the functionaries of the Ram Temple Trust, except demanding corrective measures

Daily Briefing: Political storm grows as Ram Temple trust seeks CEO to restore faith; Mamdani's love for soccer

July 10, 2026 9:42 am

In today's edition: E20 blend fuel in India; India-Australia ink pacts; Dixon-Vivo joint venture; and more

As Ram Temple donation scandal unfolds, what is at stake for BJP

July 10, 2026 7:27 am

The Ram Temple movement enabled the party’s rise in national politics, with the temple itself symbolising, for many, the assertion of Hindu identity.

Ram Temple donation row, Prambanan Temple's history, EPFO's new portal explained: Today's Premium reads

July 10, 2026 5:22 pm

Here are today's Premium stories from The Indian Express.

Why Krishna Mohan's Ram Mandir role matters beyond temple administration

July 08, 2026 1:15 pm

The retired forest service officer has effectively taken charge of the temple's daily operations, the first time a Dalit functionary has received this responsibility.

From the Urdu Press: 'BJP under pressure over Ram temple theft row', 'Prashant Kishor's fate in the balance'

July 07, 2026 6:44 pm

“An atmosphere has built up in recent years, where every critical voice is linked to politics, every difference dubbed a ‘conspiracy’, and every question dismissed as an ‘anti-government campaign’,” writes Inquilab

Trustee Anil Mishra (left) and general secretary Champat Rai (right) are under pressure amid the controversy. (Express photo)

Why the Ram Temple probe pinned 'lapses' on ex-trustee Anil Mishra

July 07, 2026 1:31 pm

Nine-page prelim report does not name Champat Rai, ex-general secretary of the temple trust

70 'thefts' in 45 days: SIT’s key finding in Ram Temple donation probe

July 08, 2026 6:20 am

An SIT probe into alleged donation thefts at the Ram Temple pointed to CCTV blind spots, diluted frisking norms, poor supervision and flawed cash-counting systems.

Ayodhya temple Trust goes for key changes at the top, to appoint CEO; accepts Champat Rai’s resignation

July 07, 2026 6:18 am

Ram Temple ‘theft’ row: 3-member panel to recommend names for CEO; retired bureaucrat Krishna Mohan made interim General Secretary

‘Had no role in counting donations’: Ram Mandir Trust treasurer amid 'theft' row

July 06, 2026 3:21 pm

In the first detailed public response by a senior functionary of the Trust on the controversy, treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri also sought to separate his statutory responsibilities as treasurer from the day-to-day handling of donations and financial administration.

RAM TEMPLE PHOTOS

Ayodhya Ram Temple work in full swing; entire complex to be completed by 2025

May 10, 2023 12:49 pm

Ram Temple work at Ayodhya in full swing; entire complex to be completed by 2025

Labour reforms to Ayodhya's Ram Temple: Here's what tableaux will showcase on R-Day this year

January 22, 2021 7:35 pm

Ayodhya turns into fortress ahead of VHP, Shiv Sena events

November 26, 2018 7:37 am

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray visits the disputed site to offer prayers and addresses a gathering, speaking over the construction of Ram temple

RAM TEMPLE VIDEOS

India will see swift progress once Ram temple is built: Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi, RSS general secretary

June 22, 2020 6:05 pm

At a gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, RSS general secretary Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi hints at the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya by 2025.

Explained: What has been the BJP’s stand over the years on Ram temple

June 22, 2020 6:07 pm

From the Vajpayee years to Narendra Modi’s BJP, a look at how the party handled the sensitive issue of building a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Eye for Detail EP 12: All about the Ayodhya uncertainty, RBI vs govt and Statue of Unity

June 22, 2020 6:12 pm

How the BJP and RSS are reacting to the Supreme Court deferring the Ayodhya case, why the RBI and the government are at loggerheads and what it means to have a statue worth almost Rs 3000 crores. All that and more in this week’s Eye for Detail.

Want a dialogue with all parties to settle the Ayodhya dispute, says union minister Uma Bharti

June 22, 2020 6:12 pm

Union Minister Uma Bharti has said that leaders across party lines must come together and sort out the Ayodhya dispute through dialogue. She also said that those in the government want to build a temple at the disputed site but will need support from

Shashi Tharoor faces heat over remarks on Ram temple

June 22, 2020 6:13 pm

Congress parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor on Monday faced severe criticism after he said that no "good Hindu" would want a Ram temple built at a spot after demolishing somebody else's place of worship.

Ayodhya Land Dispute A ‘Sentimental’ Issue, Says Supreme Court

June 22, 2020 7:07 pm

BJP politicizing Ram Temple issue: Azam Khan

January 10, 2016 11:20 am

Rampur, Jan 10 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Sunday said the Ram Temple issue is being politicized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) because of the 2017 elections. He said the BJP did not learn from its past mistakes of Delhi and Bihar elections and soon it would meet the same fate as it met in the past. He added that the NDA Government was merely venting out venomous comments and creating a divide among the people of the country.

Protest against Ram Temple seminar ‘undemocratic’: RSS

January 09, 2016 9:34 am

New Delhi, Jan 09 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) member Rakesh Sinha on Saturday alleged that the protest against the Ram Janmabhoomi seminar at the Delhi University (DU) is undemocratic and the people protesting are pro-Maoists as the matter is a cultural issue and not a political one. Sinha further emphasised that the consensus of people to construct Ram Temple can be created without the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Ram Temple an invaluable part of India’s history: Swamy

January 09, 2016 7:05 am

New Delhi, Jan 09 (ANI): While speaking at the Delhi University’s seminar on Ram Janmabhoomi here on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said the re-construction of the Ram Temple holds significance in the whole country. He added the Ram Temple is an invaluable part of India’s history and culture which requires attention. He also stated that the renewal of the Ram Temple is underway and the NDA Government would not back out from this.