The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated today in north India one temple which symbolizes the triumph of his nationalist Hindu politics, in a space that once housed a glassthe destruction of which had caused violent religious riots.

THE temple it was built where a mosque used to stand, which was destroyed in 1992 by Hindu fanatics. THE destruction this, which had been encouraged by members of the ruling party, had then caused the outbreak of the worst religious riots that had occurred in the country since its independence, resulting in death at least 2,000 people, of most Muslims. It had also shaken the populist nature of Indian politics.

Dressed in traditional gold-colored attire, the Prime Minister unveiled one black statue dedicated to god Rama in the heart of the new 50 meter high temple in the city Ayodia.

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Outside the temple, tens of thousands of chanting, flag-waving, honking and drumming worshipers have taken over the city’s streets, while launch helicopters fly over the city scattering a shower of flower petals.

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Many of them walked for days to reach the temple, which cost about $240 million to build, funded by public donations, according to authorities.

The temple is a symbol of Modi’s nationalist Hindu politics

For the ruling Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opening of the Ram Mandir temple is the culmination of decades of efforts to focus the country’s politics on the majority religion.

It is also a way to unofficially start the re-election campaign for Narendra Modi.

“January 22, 2024 is not just a date on the calendar, it heralds the advent of a new era,” the Indian prime minister said from the temple.