The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India's most significant religious and cultural landmarks. Built at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, revered by millions of Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the temple marks the culmination of a centuries-old movement and one of the country's longest-running legal and political disputes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the groundbreaking ceremony on August 5, 2020, while the temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, with the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol. Designed in the traditional Nagara style of temple architecture, the three-storey structure features pink sandstone, nearly 400 intricately carved pillars, five mandaps, and has been built without the use of iron to enhance its longevity.
The temple project followed the Supreme Court's landmark 2019 verdict, which awarded the disputed land for the construction of the Ram Temple while directing that an alternative plot be allotted for a mosque. The judgment brought an end to decades of litigation stemming from the Ayodhya dispute, including the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
Beyond its religious importance, the Ram Temple has become a symbol of faith, heritage, architecture and national debate. It continues to remain at the centre of political discourse, tourism, cultural celebrations and major national events, making it one of the most closely followed topics in India.
BJP criticised Sonia Gandhi's remarks on the Babri Masjid demolition, highlighting the political dispute ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections.
European foreign exchange students visit Ayodhya's Deepotsav festival to witness the illuminated city, laser and drone shows, and the Ram Temple visit.
Yogi Adityanath addressed Deepotsav in Ayodhya, noting significant progress in security, infrastructure, and tourism, while calling for apologies from those who disrespected the city.
Political discussion in Uttar Pradesh focuses on Ayodhya's changes during Deepotsav ahead of Diwali, with differing views from leaders. Analysts highlight BJP’s cultural and development approach, and the opposition’s challenges post-2024 elections. Prime Minister Modi extends festive greetings and honours armed forces during the festival.
Volunteers and students in Ayodhya prepare over 30 lakh lamps for Deepotsav, highlighting community efforts and ongoing urban development.
Akhilesh Yadav will visit Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 12 December with family, including prayers at Hanuman Garhi. BJP begins Panchayat Maha Abhiyan in Uttar Pradesh.
A political confrontation has emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, triggered by campaign posters featuring party chief Akhilesh Yadav alongside Lord Krishna with the slogan '27 Mein Krishna Aayenge'.
Political parties BJP and Samajwadi Party engage in poster war ahead of 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections focusing on religious and voter issues.
The Supreme Court has disposed of petitions alleging theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir after the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed that a charge sheet has been filed in the matter. A bench led by the Chief Justice directed the magistrate to proceed in accordance with the law. Considering the public interest involved, the apex court permitted the petitioners to assist the trial court during criminal proceedings, similar to how victims assist in criminal trials. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that investigators established the financial trail, tracing how accused individuals allegedly misappropriated donations and invested the funds into properties during the Special Investigation Team's probe.
Addressing the gathering, the speaker highlighted the nationwide cultural renaissance underway across India, citing the transformation of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, including the installation of Adi Shankaracharya's statue. Over the past 12 years, more than 650 stolen ancient idols have been repatriated to the country from abroad, while numerous cultural centres have gained recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pointing to the legacy of Swami Chinmayananda and the creation of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial initiated by Eknath Ranade, the speech underscored education in the mother tongue, modern science, and technology. Emphasising national self-reliance and unity against divisive forces, the address linked the Chinmaya Mission centenary with India completing 100 years of independence in 2047 under the shared goal of building a Viksit Bharat.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over contesting elections from Ayodhya. Visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Sarma stated that the SP supremo lacks the courage to contest an election from the constituency. The comments follow Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's earlier challenge to Akhilesh Yadav to fight the upcoming assembly polls from Ayodhya, escalating the ongoing political debate between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav visited Ayodhya to attend a Bhagwat event organized by party leader Pawan Pandey. Sharing the stage with local saints, Yadav engaged in discussions marking a clear Sanatan and general caste outreach, particularly targeting Brahmin voters alongside the existing PDA campaign. The move highlights a growing contest over Hindutva messaging between the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party stated that Ram Mandir darshan will follow the Kedareshwar Temple inauguration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years in public office, beginning his administrative journey on 7 October 2001 when he became Chief Minister of Gujarat. After serving as Chief Minister for 13 years, he led the Bharatiya Janata Party to majority victories in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, being sworn in for a third term as Prime Minister on 9 June 2024. The milestone highlights key policies under his tenure, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax regime, the 2016 demonetisation, the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the National Education Policy 2020, the digital infrastructure expansion through Unified Payments Interface, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration in 2024, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. To commemorate the occasion, celebrations are underway in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, featuring a massive biker rally from Vadnagar, temple visits, and a planned public gathering.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed twenty-five years in public office, tracing his journey from taking over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 to serving as Prime Minister since 2014. To mark the milestone, he began his day by offering prayers and performing an aarti at the Shree Vinayak Temple in Delhi's Sarojini Nagar while wearing a traditional veshti. The Bharatiya Janata Party has organised nationwide events and a dedicated Seva programme to celebrate the occasion, including a central event at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi where Union Cabinet ministers and senior party leaders are attending, and where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the gathering. Celebrations also include booth yatras connecting Vadnagar and Varanasi. The Union Cabinet approved a resolution recognising the public trust placed in his leadership and highlighting key developmental initiatives, poverty alleviation programmes, infrastructure modernisation, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and landmark governance decisions undertaken during his tenure.
Hindu seer Mahant Sitaram Das strongly condemned Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, calling his remarks baseless and indecent. He criticised senior Congress leadership for repeatedly targeting Sanatan culture and highlighted that the party had rejected the invitation to the Ram temple while engaging 28 lawyers to oppose its construction. Addressing allegations concerning funds and the offices of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party, he questioned the evidence behind such claims. He warned that Congress leaders will face intense opposition, be shown black flags, and will not be permitted to offer prayers or worship in Ayodhya.
A political controversy has erupted following remarks by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy comparing Bhagwan Ram and Bhagwan Shiv. Speaking in New Delhi, the Chief Minister drew contrasts between North and South India, claiming that people in the south are devotees of Shiva while those in the north worship Lord Ram. He further asserted that Shiva is the god of the poor, whereas Ram is the god of the rich, and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of appropriating Lord Ram while failing to chant Har Har Mahadev. The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly rejected the claims, accusing him of employing divide-and-rule tactics and creating geographic and political divides among Hindus. Leaders pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent visits to prominent Shiva shrines, including Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal in Ujjain, Somnath, Kedarnath, and Pashupatinath, along with major corridor redevelopments, arguing that both deities are revered across India.
A chargesheet in the Ram Mandir Chanda Chori case has been submitted to the anti-corruption court, naming eight accused who were entrusted with responsibilities at the temple. The chargesheet details a nexus and cites over 200 incidents captured on CCTV footage as primary evidence. Police allege that offering money was systematically removed or aided in removal, noting that accused Avinash Shukla allegedly removed money 85 times and assisted four times, while Karunesh Pandey removed money twice and assisted 68 times.
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men posing as police officers inside a Delhi Development Authority park near Kalkaji Mandir on 21st September. The victim had visited the temple with a male friend on her birthday before entering the adjacent 154-acre park, where the accused intimidated the duo, restrained the friend, and assaulted the minor. Following an immediate PCR alert, Delhi Police apprehended the three suspects, identified as Asif, Hemant, and Mukesh, noting one as a repeat offender. The incident has triggered massive outrage over severe security lapses, including poor lighting, missing CCTV cameras at entry and exit gates, and having only eight guards per shift for the massive area. The Delhi Commission for Women has sought an Action Taken Report from the police. Nearby, Lady Shri Ram College suspended afternoon classes and shifted guest lectures online after an encounter occurred near its back gate, sparking major safety concerns among students.
On India First with Gaurav Sawant, panellists debate major political rows surrounding national identity, secularism, and constitutional principles. The discussion examines the controversy over singing the national song, Vande Mataram, and the Karnataka legal dispute regarding legislative competence over limiting the song to two stanzas, with BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha and Congress national spokesperson Brijesh Kalappa trading historical and political arguments alongside political analysts Shehzad Poonawalla and Rashid Kidwai. The broadcast also addresses the political fallout over remarks by former Vice President Hamid Ansari and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning nationalism, religiosity, and Sharia courts. Panellists further analyse the ideological distinctions between Hinduism and Hindutva, the presence of religious figures in electoral politics, and allegations of minority appeasement versus secular governance under the Indian Constitution.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 76, celebrations and public service programmes are taking place across India, from Delhi to Gujarat and his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. The Prime Minister is launching the fifth edition of the SEMICON India event in the national capital, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and urged citizens to light an Ashirwad ka Diya. Key political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Democratic Alliance allies, participate in major events such as the Vadnagar to Varanasi bike yatra and cleanliness drives. The broadcast highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life since assuming office as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, tracing landmark governance milestones from welfare schemes and Make in India to digital infrastructure expansion and the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.
