Politics · India Bureau
Modi hails Ashok Singhal's organisational prowess on centenary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Ashok Singhal, the late Vishva Hindu Parishad leader, on his 100th birth anniversary, crediting him with exceptional organisational abilities and a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
LSN India ·
In a commemorative piece, Modi reflected on his interactions with Singhal and underscored the former VHP chief's lasting influence on Hindu nationalist politics and social mobilisation. The Prime Minister emphasised Singhal's talent for organisational work and his capacity to galvanise younger generations toward collective causes, describing these as hallmarks of his legacy.
Singhal, who passed away in 2015, was a prominent figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, which ultimately culminated in the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Modi's tribute acknowledges Singhal's instrumental contributions to this movement, which has held particular significance in the ideological framework of the Hindu Right.
The centenary observance underscores the continuing relevance accorded to Singhal within political and religious circles in India. His tenure as VHP leader spanned decades, during which he shaped the organisation's activities and its approach to mobilising support for various causes aligned with its vision.
Modi's remarks reflect the reverence maintained by senior Bharatiya Janata Party figures toward veteran activists of the Sangh Parivar ecosystem. The tribute comes as India continues to grapple with questions surrounding religious nationalism and the institutional frameworks that have sustained its expression across multiple generations.