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From Our Own Correspondent

Ayodhya: a defining moment for India

From Our Own Correspondent

BBC

News, News Commentary

4.41.3K Ratings

🗓️ 27 January 2024

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Kate Adie presents stories from India, Bangladesh, the US, Switzerland and Finland.

This week, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opened a grand Hindu temple in the northern city of Ayodhya. The site on which it sits was once home to a centuries-old mosque which was demolished by a Hindu mob thirty years ago. Yogita Limaye reflects on the impact of the new temple, which fulfils a dream for many Hindus, but has alienated much of India's Muslim minority.

Samira Hussain attends a press conference in Bangladesh, soon after Sheikh Hasina was returned to power for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister. With voter turnout at almost half that of the previous election, Samira explores why Bangladeshi voters are feeling despondent, amid claims of growing autocracy in the country.

After securing victory in the Republican primary in New Hampshire, Donald Trump is currently in a strong position to clinch the party's presidential nomination. Within his base is a sizeable contingent of evangelical Christians. Mike Wendling met with some of them, to hear how they have become a political force.

China's human rights record has been under the microscope at the UN in Geneva this week. It's attracted particular interest as, since the last review, China has faced criticism for its continued repression of Uyghur Muslims, while clamping down on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. Micky Bristow was there to watch proceedings.

And John Kampfner visits one of the world's last remaining museums dedicated to Vladimir Lenin. Located in the Finnish city of Tampere, it tells the story of the complex relationship between Finland and Russia over the last century.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

BBC Sounds, music radio podcasts.

0:05.2

Today, an election where the outcome is a foregone conclusion and for all the wrong reasons.

0:10.9

We're in Bangladesh, which has seen a brazen crackdown on dissent. In the US, we hear how Christian

0:18.0

evangelists are standing fast by Donald Trump, undeterred by his upcoming court cases. In Geneva, China undergoes

0:27.1

rare scrutiny over its human rights record, but to what degree

0:30.9

will President She feel the heat?

0:34.3

And after falling out of political favour,

0:36.7

what does the future hold for a Finnish museum

0:39.8

dedicated to Vladimir Lenin? First, earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narantra Modi opened a grand temple in the

0:49.2

northern city of Ayyodya for one of Hinduism's most revered deities. But the construction of the Ram Mandia has been

0:57.4

mired in controversy as the site on which it now sits was once home to a centuries-old mosque which was demolished by a Hindu mob some 30 years

1:07.5

ago. The opening of the temple is a moment that has divided India. For millions of Hindus, it's fulfilled a long cherished dream.

1:16.7

But many from the Muslim community, India's largest minority, say they feel alienated. The BBC South Asia correspondent

1:25.4

Yogitel le Maya reflects on its impact.

1:29.9

As the idol of Lord Ram was consecrated by Prime Minister Norendramody in a grand temple made of pink sandstone,

1:36.7

thousands of people in Ayyodhya, watching on giant screens that had been put up in the city

1:42.0

to broadcast the ceremony erupted into ecstatic

1:45.4

cheers.

1:46.4

Jeh Sri Ram, Hail Lord Ram, they shouted.

1:50.8

Indian military helicopters flew over the temple, showering rose petals on the VIP guests attending the event,

1:57.0

including political dignitaries and Bollywood stars.

2:00.0

Across India, firecrackers were set off in celebration. A TV presenter declared that

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