Watch live: Indian prime minister Modi opens Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site
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Your support makes all the difference.Watch live as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opens a Hindu temple on a razed Babri mosque site.
The temple is at the heart his bid for re-election, and The Independent’sOn The Ground looks at the importance of the temple’s construction in an election campaign in which religious nationalism will play an important role.
The prime minister is opening a contentious Hindu temple built on the remains of ancient mosque in the city of Ayodhya, on Monday 22 January.
The 16th-century mosque was razed by Hindu groups in 1992, sparking nationwide riots between Hindu and Muslim communities, and a death toll of almost 2,000.
Thousands are expected at the event, including top film stars and cricketers.
With general elections around the corner, it’s expected that the temple’s opening will benefit Mr Modi in the polls.
The temple, which is still under construction, is dedicated to Lord Rama, Hinduism’s most revered deity.
The construction fullfills a crucial campaign pledge from Mr Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
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