For decades, Hindu nationalists had sought to build a temple in Ayodhya, at a spot they believe to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram.
The only problem was that there was already a house of worship on the spot, a mosque built by a Mughal emperor in 1528.
A Hindu mob had dismantled the mosque in 1992, setting off riots that killed 2,000 people, most of them Muslims.
World leaders sought Modi’s support on issues ranging from the war in Ukraine to the climate crisis, cementing India’s ascent in global affairs.
But the ever unpredictable electorate of the world’s largest democracy responded to Modi’s demand for still more power resolutely: No thanks.
Persons:
Narendra Modi, Ram, Modi, ”
Organizations:
Bharatiya Janata Party
Locations:
India, Ayodhya, China, Ukraine