Monday, January 22, 2024

India's Modi to inaugurate controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration of a grand Hindu temple, in what's seen as a political move to boost his party ahead of a crucial national vote.

The Ram temple fulfils Mr Modi's decade-old election promise, his supporters say.

Neha Poonia has more on the preparations underway ahead of the launch.

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The temple has been built on what was disputed land in Ayodhya in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Three decades ago Hindu mobs tore down a historical mosque there, claiming it was built on the ruins of a temple by Muslim invaders.

In 2019, India's Supreme Court criticised the demolition of the mosque but handed over that land to Hindus, ending a decades long dispute.


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Neha Poonia explains how critical the temple's opening is to Prime Minister Modi's bid to stay in power ahead of national elections this year.

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