Practicing Success
Two significant occurrences around 1986 assumed central importance within the BJP's political landscape as it transitioned into a 'Hindutva' party. The first pivotal event was the Shah Bano case of 1985. In this case, a 62-year-old divorced Muslim woman filed a maintenance claim against her former husband. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor. This judgment was perceived as an intrusion into Muslim Personal Law by orthodox Muslims. Following the demand of certain Muslim leaders, the government introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which effectively nullified the Supreme Court's verdict. |
Alongside the BJP, which organizations were involved in mobilizing around the Babri Masjid dispute? |
RSS and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Communist Party and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Muslim League and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Indian National Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). |
RSS and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). |
The RSS and VHP, along with the BJP, convened various programs to mobilize people around the Babri Masjid issue. Upon the opening of the Babri Masjid's locks, an upsurge in mobilization commenced on both sides of the divide. Multiple Hindu and Muslim organizations endeavored to rally their respective communities around this issue. Surprisingly, what initially appeared to be a local dispute quickly escalated into a matter of national significance, stoking communal tensions. The BJP seized upon this matter, making it a central theme in its electoral and political endeavors. Collaborating with entities such as the RSS and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), the BJP orchestrated a series of symbolic and mobilization-driven initiatives. This widespread mobilization fueled a charged atmosphere and gave rise to numerous instances of communal violence. In a bid to garner public backing, the BJP embarked on a large-scale march named the Rathyatra, commencing from Somnath in Gujarat and culminating in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. |