Exclusive | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Ayodhya’s unity after temple ruling

Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Ayodhya Babri Masjid land dispute case

As the Lok Sabha elections heat up in one of Uttar Pradesh's most prominent seats, the Faizabad constituency, which encompasses Ayodhya, the site of the Ram Mandir construction and Pran Pratishtha held in January, mid-day team visited Ayodhya and spoke with Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Ayodhya Babri Masjid land dispute case, who resides just 200 metres away from the Ram Janmabhumi. Ansari discussed the case, spanning 70 years, expressing that Muslims in Ayodhya have moved on since the Supreme Court's ruling, fostering harmony among Hindus and Muslims. He highlighted that the portrayal of discord in the media doesn't reflect reality, emphasising peaceful coexistence. With the temple inauguration drawing global attention, Ansari suggested the BJP's advantage in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency, home to Ayodhya.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

How do you perceive the Lok Sabha elections in Ayodhya? Have there been any changes since the Pran Pratishtha held in January, to which you were also invited and visited the temple?
First and foremost, there are absolutely no issues between the two communities. We never experienced conflict, even during the court proceedings. Now that the court has ruled, we have accepted the decision and moved forward; this sentiment resonates with every Muslim in Ayodhya. I believe Muslims have prayed inside the temple for 400 years, and now the court has allocated them their place of worship. They have their beliefs and will continue to pray as the temple does. We don't have any problem with this arrangement. The court listened to us in detail, and its order stated that the temple was never demolished to build the mosque. Some people try to instil fear by suggesting problems among Ayodhya's Muslims, but there are none. Whatever challenges we face here are shared by everyone. There were people who tried to exploit the issue for political gain for decades, creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims. But now, with the temple built and people praying peacefully, there are no more problems. I feel that devotees coming to Ayodhya perceive the temple's construction as attributed to Narendra Modi, giving him an electoral edge, especially in this constituency.

How do Hindus and Muslims coexist in Ayodhya? Can you elaborate on this dynamic, especially considering there are several mosques near the temple?
This is the beauty of Ayodhya that often goes unnoticed. The image portrayed on TV does not reflect reality. Let me share how we live here: when my father, Haji Hashim Ansari, passed away in 2016, around one lakh people gathered for his last rites, with 70 per cent of them being Hindus. We celebrate each other's festivals with great joy and harmony. The same road outside my residence, known as Rampath, witnesses peaceful processions for Muharram and Eid Milad. In Ayodhya, several Hindus generously contribute to the construction of mosques, madrasas, and graveyards. My name is well-known throughout Ayodhya, and if you mention it anywhere in the city, anyone will readily guide you to my house. With over 10 thousand Muslims and several mosques in Ayodhya, there have never been any problems. While people make political statements, I prefer not to engage in such divisive politics. Whatever conflict happened in Ayodhya, the locals were never part of it; some outsiders have created problems. Also, I want to add that the issue of the Babri Masjid and the temple was never between Ayodhya's Hindu-Muslim communities; it was always between a few Hindu priests and the mosque management.

What are the main issues in the elections here in Ayodhya?
I believe the Ram Temple is the most significant issue, and due to Prime Minister Modi's association, the BJP has an edge. Some people also have concerns about the widening of the road and feel that they haven't received appropriate compensation for their properties.

Have you ever met Prime Minister Modi?
I have never met him, but I was invited during the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. If I ever meet him, I'll tell him that the day Hindus and Muslims stop feeling the difference, and if he can ensure the same, no one will ever remove him as prime minister and his government.

How did you feel when the prime minister recently referred to Muslims as infiltrators? Do you think it's appropriate for a prime minister to speak in such a manner against any community?
These are all political statements, and I prefer not to get involved because they create problems for everyone.

May 20
Day Ayodhya will go to polls