PM Modi Honors 'Organisational Genius' Ashok Singhal on Birth Centenary, Praises Ram Mandir Role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on [date] paid rich tributes to Ashok Singhal, the former international president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), on the occasion of his birth centenary. In an OpEd published in a leading daily, Modi described Singhal as an 'organisational genius' and credited him with a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, recalling his personal interactions with the late leader.

Singhal, who led the VHP from 1984 to 2011, was a key architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation that culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and the eventual construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Modi highlighted Singhal's exceptional ability to energise youth and build grassroots networks, noting that his organisational skills were instrumental in mobilising support for the temple movement. The Prime Minister's tribute comes amid ongoing political discourse around the Ram temple and the upcoming general elections.

The OpEd is seen as a significant gesture to consolidate Hindu nationalist support base, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It also reinforces the BJP's commitment to its core ideological agenda. Political analysts suggest that Modi's homage to Singhal may resonate with voters who identify with the Ram Janmabhoomi legacy, while opposition parties may view it as a polarising move. The centenary celebrations are expected to be marked by events across the country, further keeping the spotlight on the VHP's historical role.