The Ayodhya Crisis and the Decline of Congress

In December 1992, India witnessed a seismic shift in its political and social landscape when over 100,000 Hindu volunteers descended upon Ayodhya, responding to calls from Hindu nationalist leaders to “liberate” the disputed Babri Masjid site. The mosque, believed by many Hindus to stand on the birthplace of Lord Ram, became the epicenter of a violent confrontation. Thousands of armed activists scaled its walls, reducing its three domes to rubble within hours.

Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, leading a minority Congress government, initially sought negotiations but was overtaken by hardliners. His response—dissolving four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state governments, banning Hindu nationalist groups, and arresting BJP leader L.K. Advani—failed to stem the nationwide Hindu-Muslim riots. Mumbai suffered the worst violence, with at least 900 dead, mostly Muslims.

The destruction of the Babri Masjid marked a turning point. As journalist Kapil Komireddi observed, the act symbolized a reclaiming of history—an assertion of Hindu pride that many saw as erasing centuries of perceived humiliation. For India’s Muslims, however, it was a betrayal. The Congress Party’s inability to rebuild the mosque alienated its Muslim base, accelerating its decline.

Economic Reforms and Political Fragmentation

The 1990s saw India grappling with economic transformation under Finance Minister Manmohan Singh’s liberalization policies. While growth surged, inequality deepened. Rural voters, traditionally Congress loyalists, bore the brunt of rising food prices and shrinking welfare programs. By the 1996 elections, Congress collapsed to 140 seats, while the BJP emerged as the largest party with 160.

Yet, the BJP’s ascent was checked by the shadow of Ayodhya. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the party’s moderate face, failed to form a government as regional parties shunned association with Hindu nationalism. A fragile “National Front” coalition took power instead.

Nuclear Tests and the BJP’s First Government

In 1998, the BJP returned with stronger numbers, forming a coalition government. Weeks later, it conducted nuclear tests in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, provoking Pakistan to retaliate with its own tests. Though the BJP showcased its nationalist credentials, internal fractures collapsed its government within a year.

The 1999 elections—India’s fifth in a decade—further weakened Congress (114 seats) and finally gave the BJP a stable coalition under Vajpayee. His tenure saw diplomatic overtures, like the Lahore bus initiative with Pakistan, but also renewed tensions—notably the Kargil War (1999) and the 2001 Parliament attack by Pakistan-backed militants.

Gujarat 2002: Modi’s Rise and Communal Violence

A defining moment came in February 2002, when a train carrying Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya was set ablaze in Godhra, Gujarat, killing 58. The incident triggered anti-Muslim riots, leaving ~3,000 dead and 100,000 displaced. BJP leader Narendra Modi, then Gujarat’s Chief Minister, faced accusations of complicity. Though a Supreme Court panel cleared him, critics argued his government enabled the violence.

Modi’s political narrative, however, transformed. He rebranded himself as a champion of Gujarat’s economic “miracle,” downplaying Hindu nationalism to appeal to broader electorates.

The 2014 Watershed: Modi’s Dominance and Congress’ Collapse

By 2014, Congress—led by Rahul Gandhi, scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty—was a shadow of its former self. Modi’s campaign, leveraging his “chai wallah” roots and promises of development, resonated with young voters. The BJP’s social media blitz and Modi’s hologram rallies sealed a historic victory: 282 seats, the first single-party majority in 30 years. Congress, reduced to 44 seats, faced existential crisis.

Majoritarianism and Democratic Erosion

Modi’s second term (2019–present) saw bold moves: revoking Kashmir’s autonomy (Article 370) and passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (excluding Muslims). While supporters hailed these as nationalist triumphs, critics warned of authoritarian drift. Pew Research (2017) revealed troubling trends: 55% of Indians favored unchecked executive power, and 53% supported military rule.

Yet, India’s democratic resilience persists. Mass protests—against farm laws (2020) and the CAA—showcase civil society’s vigor. Farmers forced Modi to repeal reforms, proving even strongmen face accountability.

Legacy and the Road Ahead

The BJP’s rise reflects India’s complex negotiation between Hindu identity and pluralism. Economic aspirations, coupled with nationalist fervor, have reshaped politics. Yet, as protests demonstrate, India’s democratic ethos remains a counterforce. The question now is whether Hindu nationalism and inclusive development can coexist—or if India’s secular foundations will further erode.

From Ayodhya’s rubble to Modi’s strongman rule, India’s journey underscores a timeless tension: between memory and modernity, unity and diversity. The world’s largest democracy continues to navigate this precarious balance.