Advani rath hits Ayodhya bump

AYODHYA: Fourteen years ago, Lal Krishna Advani set off for Ayodhya atop a rath.
He was arrested en route but the journey changed everything. The temple town’s obscure existence, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s electoral fortunes and India’s history. On Monday, Advani’s rath will roll into Ayodhya again. Those inclined towards symbolism may find it significant that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile.But the analogy ends right there. While Ram’s return was greeted with festivities and celebration, Advani is unlikely to encounter any fuss or fanfare.
The BJP cadre might work up some enthusiasm — after all this is election season — but for the residents, this is a tamasha they would rather miss. Most are indifferent, some look sullen; even BJP supporters don’t seem too eager to join in the celebrations. Said Devi Nandan, a shopkeeper: “If he comes after 14 years, he won’t become Ram. Besides, there have been other yatras in between.�
Not just this. There may be no one from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad — Advani’s fiercest supporters at one time — to receive him when he enters Ayodhya. The bigger leaders are away in Ujjain for the ardhkumbh. Those in town plan to remind Advani of his pledge to build the temple. Through posters and banners carrying Advani’s promises in his own words.
“Why should we welcome him? This is a political visit. However, we will remind him of his pledge to build the temple. We will put up posters and flags with his own words. He will understand what we are trying to say,� said the VHP’s Rajendra Singhji Pankaj.
That the VHP wants to embarrass Advani is also evident from its just-concluded 12 day-long Shri Ram Yagna. The yagna, attended by Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia, sought removal of all dusht shaktiyan and other hurdles in the way of the temple.