In recent years, PM Narendra Modi’s involvement with temples has been a topic of discussion. From his visits to major temples across the country to his role in their development and construction, PM Modi has made his affinity for temples clear. This trend has not gone unnoticed by political analysts, with surveys showing a growing inclination towards the BJP among religious Hindus. In fact, a staggering 51% of Hindus who regularly visit temples voted for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In this blog post, we delve into the influence of PM Modi’s Mandir Mission on the political choices of BJP voters who are regular temple-goers.
Introduction
In the past 10 days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited six major temples across the country, including the highly revered Ayodhya. This is not a new trend, as PM Modi has been actively involved in the renovation, development, construction, and visitation of various temples for the past decade. These temple visits hold a deeper significance, as a recent survey by CSDS indicates an increasing inclination towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) among religious Hindus since 2009. Additionally, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 51% of Hindus who regularly visited temples cast their vote for the BJP. The religious atmosphere in the country has been further heightened by the construction and consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In this Monday mega story, we delve into PM Modi’s “Mandir Mission” and explore the role of temples in his political agenda, as well as the influence of religious sentiment on voting patterns, particularly among BJP voters who frequently visit temples.
The Ram Mandir
The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been a long-awaited event for millions of Hindus in India. It began with the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony on August 5, 2020, and is being supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust. The temple is now set to have the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its construction. The Ram Mandir holds immense religious and emotional value for many, and its construction has resulted in a surge of religious fervor across the country.
Other Temple Projects
Aside from the Ram Mandir, PM Modi has also been involved in several other temple projects. Plans for a corridor at the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura have been revealed, and construction is expected to commence soon. Similarly, work has already begun on a new corridor at the Shri Badrinath Temple, aiming to develop the entire temple complex. The project at Shri Badrinath Temple is estimated to cost around 500 crores. Additionally, the Mahakal Corridor in Ujjain was recently inaugurated by PM Modi. These projects not only demonstrate PM Modi’s commitment to temple development but also reflect the significance of temples in Hindu religious and cultural practices.
Political Influence of Temple Visits
PM Modi’s frequent temple visits hold a great deal of influence over voters who are regular temple-goers. Temples play a significant role in the political choices of BJP voters, as evident from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where a majority of Hindus who regularly visited temples voted for the BJP. The religious sentiment associated with these visits resonates deeply with the electorate, and PM Modi’s emphasis on temple development and visitation further strengthens the connection between the BJP and the Hindu voter base.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s recent visits to major temples, including Ayodhya, highlight his continued commitment to temple development and renovation. These temple projects, along with the construction of the Ram Mandir, have significantly increased the religious atmosphere in the country. The influence of religious sentiment on voting patterns, particularly among BJP voters who regularly visit temples, cannot be underestimated. Temples hold a special place in the hearts and minds of millions of Indians, and PM Modi’s focus on them aligns with his political agenda and resonates with his core voter base.
