The unveiling of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, once the site of the historic Babri Masjid, on January 22, 2024, has sparked a renewed analysis of Prime Minister Modi's political tactics by The New York Times.
According to the report, the inauguration of the Ram Mandir was not merely a religious ceremony but a strategic move within Modi's election campaign.
The New York Times highlights the dominance of Modi's persona during the temple's inauguration, likening it to a "one-man show" broadcast across Indian media platforms.
Moreover, the report sheds light on a concerted effort by certain groups to elevate Modi's importance to a level comparable to that of Lord Ram himself.
The New York Times once again dissects #Modi's political tactics!
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) February 6, 2024
Media outlets engaged in fierce battle to shower #Modi with praise, turning the coverage into a spectacle.
NYT highlights the "One-Man Show" played out on #Indian media. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/L1AqbmsSkj
While the Indian media appeared engaged in a race to praise Modi, coverage of critical issues such as Chinese attacks, communal tensions, economic inequalities, and unemployment allegedly received little attention and were not attributed to Modi.
The construction of the Ram Mandir is portrayed as a significant step towards reshaping India into a Hindu-majority state, according to The New York Times.
Despite the religious importance of the inauguration, Modi reportedly refrained from addressing the divisive and history associated with the Ram Mandir conflict.
The guest list for the ceremony included prominent figures from the business and entertainment industries, with seating arrangements reportedly based on social media following.
The report concludes by noting that major television channels, including NDTV and ABP, prioritized Modi's promotional agenda over comprehensive coverage of the Ram Mandir inauguration.
