Dissertation Title: Post-Ram Mandir Politics: Analyzing BJP's Electoral Loss in Ayodhya
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Ram Mandir Issue
The Ram Mandir dispute and its culmination in the construction of the temple in Ayodhya is one of
the most significant chapters in Indian political history. The BJP’s rise to prominence in the 1990s was
largely due to its involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. This chapter outlines the
historical context of the Ram Mandir movement, the BJP’s political strategies, and the religious and
cultural dimensions of the issue.
1.2 Research Problem and Objectives
The main research problem is understanding why the BJP, despite the construction of the Ram
Mandir, faced electoral setbacks in Ayodhya. The objectives include examining the political, social,
and economic factors that shaped voter behavior and the BJP’s electoral fortunes in the region.
1.3 Significance of the Study
The findings of this research have implications for understanding the limits of identity politics,
particularly religious symbolism, in contemporary Indian electoral politics. The study contributes to
the broader discourse on Indian political trends post-2014 and offers insights into the evolving nature
of Hindu nationalism and its impact on elections.
Chapter 2: The Ram Mandir and BJP’s Political Trajectory
2.1 BJP and the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
This section traces the history of the BJP’s involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, from
the early days of the temple controversy to the party’s rise as a dominant force in Indian politics. The
Ram Mandir was central to the BJP's narrative, driving their appeal to Hindu voters.
2.2 The Ram Mandir’s Completion: A Milestone or an End to the Issue?
With the temple’s completion, the question arises: does the Ram Mandir continue to function as a
central issue for the BJP? This chapter analyzes whether the symbolic victory of the Ram Mandir has
fulfilled the party’s promises to its supporters or if it has become a redundant issue for voters in
Ayodhya.
Chapter 3: Voter Dynamics in Ayodhya: Shifting Priorities
3.1 Demographics of Ayodhya
An analysis of Ayodhya’s demographics—religious, caste, and class compositions—helps provide
insights into the electorate's evolving priorities. This chapter examines whether the BJP's previous
success in mobilizing Hindu voters has been affected by changes in the electorate’s composition,
particularly younger voters who might prioritize issues beyond religion.
3.2 The Evolving Political Consciousness of the Electorate
In this section, we analyze the political consciousness of Ayodhya’s voters in the post-Ram Mandir
era. This includes understanding the generational shift in political attitudes, the rise of new issues
(such as economic growth, development, and governance), and the growing demands for social
justice and welfare.
3.3 Role of Religious and Cultural Symbolism
The chapter also explores the limits of religious symbolism in a region like Ayodhya, where the Ram
Mandir’s construction no longer serves as a unifying cause. Has the electorate moved beyond
identity politics in favor of more pragmatic concerns like local governance and economic issues?
Chapter 4: The BJP's Governance Record: Local vs. National Focus
4.1 Governance in Ayodhya: Assessing the BJP’s Performance
This section evaluates the BJP’s local governance record in Ayodhya. It examines key issues such as
infrastructure development, employment generation, health services, and education, and compares
the BJP’s promises with its on-ground performance. Was the party able to deliver on the
expectations of the voters beyond the Ram Mandir?
4.2 The National Agenda vs. Local Aspirations
While the BJP's national agenda, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has dominated the political
discourse, this chapter examines how local priorities in Ayodhya may have diverged from the party's
broader political narrative. How have local voters responded to national issues like national security,
economy, and development, and how does this impact the BJP's hold on local politics?
4.3 Economic Development and Its Impact
A central aspect of the electorate's concerns could be economic well-being. This section assesses
whether economic policies such as demonetization, GST, and rural development measures have
resonated with the voters in Ayodhya. Did voters perceive economic benefits, or did they experience
economic distress, leading them to vote against the BJP?
Chapter 5: Regional Political Competition and Alliances
5.1 The Role of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Other Local Players
This chapter delves into the role of regional political parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) in
challenging the BJP’s dominance in Ayodhya. How did the SP manage to capitalize on local issues,
and what strategies did they employ to appeal to voters who were disillusioned with the BJP?
5.2 Muslim Voter Mobilization
Ayodhya has a sizable Muslim population, and their political mobilization has played a crucial role in
shaping electoral outcomes. This chapter examines how other political parties, such as the
Samajwadi Party, were able to attract Muslim voters, particularly in light of the BJP's polarizing
stance on the Ram Mandir issue.
5.3 Coalitions and Alliances in the Post-Ram Mandir Era
The emergence of new political alliances or coalition dynamics is a key factor influencing BJP’s
fortunes. This section analyzes how strategic alliances among regional players have undermined the
BJP’s position and helped shift the electoral outcome in favor of its rivals.
Chapter 6: The Aftermath of the BJP’s Electoral Loss
6.1 Political Consequences for the BJP
This chapter assesses the implications of the BJP’s electoral loss in Ayodhya. What does this loss
mean for the party’s future prospects in Uttar Pradesh and India? How does this setback affect the
BJP’s national strategies, particularly with regard to its use of religious symbols in elections?
6.2 Impact on National Politics and Hindu Nationalism
The loss in Ayodhya might have repercussions for the BJP’s broader strategy of promoting Hindu
nationalism. This section examines whether the BJP's national political agenda, based on the symbols
of Hindu identity, is losing its appeal among the electorate. Does this signify a potential shift in Indian
politics away from religion-centric campaigns?
Chapter 7: Conclusion
7.1 Summary of Findings
This section will summarize the key findings of the research, providing a comprehensive answer to
the research question: why did the BJP lose elections in Ayodhya despite the completion of the Ram
Mandir?
7.2 Implications for Future Elections
The study concludes by offering insights into the future of identity politics, regional political
dynamics, and the evolving nature of the BJP’s electoral strategy. How might the party reorient its
strategies to regain its hold over Ayodhya, and what lessons can be drawn for political parties across
India?
7.3 Recommendations for Further Research
Given the complex nature of this issue, further research could explore deeper questions about the
role of religion in modern politics, the socio-economic concerns of voters in rural and semi-urban
constituencies, and the changing nature of voter loyalty in India.
