In a strategic move to make the inauguration of the Ram Mandir a defining moment in the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has outlined an extensive plan to escort devotees from all 543 parliamentary constituencies for the sacred darshan of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya in the coming months.
The party has embraced the slogan ‘Abki baar 400 paar, teesri baar Modi sarkar’, underscoring its ambition to cross the 400-seat mark and secure a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources reveal that the BJP is engaging in simultaneous preparations for both the Lok Sabha elections and facilitating devotees’ visits to Ayodhya for the darshan of Ram Lalla. This outreach programme is scheduled to run from January 25 to March 25, attracting devotees from across the country.
Party leaders are optimistic that this dual strategy will prove advantageous, with the belief that aligning the party’s focus with the temple will contribute to success in the elections.
Ayodhya is seen as a crucial element in the BJP’s electoral strategy, and the party is confident that forging a connection between the temple and the electoral campaign will resonate with voters.
Insiders reveal that the BJP has strategically organised clusters of three to four Lok Sabha constituencies in all states. Within each cluster, election rallies featuring one of four prominent leaders are planned. This approach aims to amplify the party’s message across diverse regions, catering to local sentiments and concerns.
The ambitious campaign aims to facilitate free train journeys for five crore Ram devotees, focusing on fostering religious sentiments and ensuring widespread access to pilgrimage sites.
The BJP’s core committee has directed sitting MPs and MLAs to mobilise a minimum of 5,000 people in each constituency, projecting a massive outreach effort.
The local parliamentarians and legislators have been tasked with the responsibility of organising transportation for devotees, with a specific template designed for each area.
To avoid chaos, the Ram temple trust will allot separate dates for visitors from different regions. The exercise, commencing after the consecration ceremony on January 22, is expected to conclude in April.
During the Ayodhya visit, the BJP plans to enlighten the devotees on the temple movement and the party’s pivotal role in it. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will play a key role in disseminating information about the temple’s significance in terms of optics and symbolism.
The list of visitors from the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies converging on Ayodhya will be finalised before January 15, with the administration and temple trust being apprised of the monumental exercise. The Railways is set to run 100 special trains for 100 days, beginning after the consecration day.
Simultaneously, the BJP is gearing up for a special ‘Ram Darshan Abhiyan’ from January 24, emphasising free train journeys for five crore Ram devotees to Ayodhya. The campaign, covering various regions and with a focus on Bihar, aims to showcase the party’s commitment to religious harmony.
A dedicated ‘Ram Darshan Special Train’ will operate from 275 railway stations, transporting over two crore devotees from Bihar to Ayodhya. This initiative not only symbolises a spiritual journey but also underscores Ayodhya’s cultural and religious significance.
The BJP’s decision to extend the ‘Ram Darshan Abhiyan’ to a significant number of devotees reflects the dedication of the party to promote cultural and religious unity. By offering free train services, the BJP aims to connect with the sentiments of millions of Ram devotees and strengthen the cultural fabric of the nation.
The campaign is poised to be a landmark event, showcasing the party’s efforts to forge a deep spiritual connect ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
