PODCAST:Today, Explained
TITLE:Modi’s temple grandstanding
DATE:2024-01-23 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the "Today Explained" podcast episode titled "Modi’s Temple Grandstanding," aired on January 23, 2024, the focus is on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of a massive Hindu temple in Ayodhya, replacing the 16th-century Babri Mosque, a move stirring controversy and reflecting Hindu nationalism. This event, marked by a grand spectacle attended by thousands including celebrities and dignitaries, is seen as a significant moment for Hindus and a win for Hindu nationalism, but it represents a different meaning for Muslims, intensifying religious tensions in India.
Ayodhya, once a sleepy town, has been transformed into a spiritual hub with the construction of this temple, made in pink sandstone and black granite, costing over $200 million. The temple, expected to attract a staggering 150,000 visitors a day, symbolizes the manifestation of Hindu beliefs and power. The episode notes that this development has led to the demolition of thousands of houses and shops, creating a mix of excitement and discontent among locals.
Modi, in his speech, described the inauguration as the dawn of a new era and a symbol of India's peace, patience, and mutual harmony. This event is also seen as an informal start to his re-election campaign, intertwining religion with politics, a strategy that has been part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto since 1996. The episode highlights the historical context of the site, where the mosque was demolished by Hindu nationalists in 1992, leading to widespread violence and the political rise of Hindu nationalism.
The Supreme Court's 2019 decision, granting the site to Hindus while recognizing the demolition as a violation of the rule of law, is discussed as a contentious verdict that prioritized faith over historical and legal evidence. This decision and the construction of the temple are seen as setbacks for Muslims in India, who now feel politically marginalized and fear repercussions.
The episode also touches upon the broader implications of Hindu nationalism under Modi's rule, including the suppression of dissent, the marginalization of minorities, and the erosion of secular values in the Indian constitution. The episode suggests a pessimistic view of the future, with little hope for a democratic rollback of these trends, emphasizing the potential for long-term disaster in imposing a singular nationalist narrative on a diverse country like India.
The podcast, produced by Amanda Luellen and edited by Amine El-Sadi, with fact-checking by Laura Bullard and engineering by Rob Byers, concludes by encouraging listeners to support Today Explained’s efforts in bringing clear, fact-checked reporting on important issues like this.
