In a tense turn of events, the Coimbatore police, reportedly acting on orders from higher authorities, thwarted a woman’s planned bike rally to Ayodhya, sparking public displeasure in the region. However, the resilient and determined woman managed to circumvent the police restrictions, commencing her yatra the following early morning without their knowledge and successfully reaching Ayodhya on the night of January 20.
The incident adds to the growing perception of the Tamil Nadu Dravidian model government’s resistance to Sanatana Dharma, as it seemingly attempts to discourage and demoralise devotees on their religious paths.
Indu Shah Kanchi, the BJP hospitality wing president, had planned a 2,500-kilometer bike yatra from Coimbatore to Ayodhya, intending to reach the destination on the day of the ‘Prana Prathishta’ ceremony. The yatra was flagged off on January 14th at the Coimbatore Ramnagar Ram mandir, with pujas at the Kodanda Ramar mandir.
A group of policemen, led by Assistant Police Commissioner Ganesh, intervened at the yatra’s commencement, stating that no permission had been granted for the bike rally. The police warned organisers of potential arrests if they proceeded without proper authorization.
In response to the police intervention, BJP functionaries submitted a letter seeking permission for the bike yatra. District BJP chief Rameshkumar criticised the need for such permissions, stating that even individual pilgrimage yatras require police approval in Tamil Nadu. He accused the DMK government of infringing on individuals’ religious rights enshrined in the Constitution.
To avoid direct confrontation with the police, the organisers temporarily halted the yatra. Rameshkumar emphasised that the yatra would be undertaken despite the initial setback.
Local Tamil dailies reported that Coimbatore police received instructions from higher officials to prevent Indu Shah Kanchi’s bike yatra to Ayodhya. The police were reportedly told to be prepared for arrests if the organisers proceeded against their advice. BJP leaders, sensing trouble, invited the media to the venue to highlight what they claim is the DMK government’s interference in religious rights.
In a media interaction, BJP leaders expressed their concerns over what they perceive as the DMK government’s misuse of police power to obstruct a devotee’s religious journey. They accused the government of acting against the interests of Hindus and emphasised the significance of the Ram Mandir, calling it the fulfillment of a 500-year-old dream.
By inviting the media to the venue, BJP leaders sought to underscore their claims that the DMK government is actively working against the Hindu community’s religious rights. The denial of permission by the police and subsequent events were explained to media persons present.
In a statement to the media, she expressed her devotion to Bhagwan Ram and revealed her three-month-long planning for the yatra.
Despite citing security concerns, the police denied Indu Shah Kanchi permission for the bike yatra, prompting her to assert that the actual reasons were withheld. Undeterred, she commenced the journey on the next day, traveling alone during daylight hours, showcasing her determination and relentless pursuit of the goal.
Indu Shah Kanchi’s successful completion of the solo bike yatra underscores her grit and perseverance in the face of administrative challenges. She reached Ayodhya well in advance of the scheduled ‘Prana Pratishta’ event, demonstrating single-minded dedication to her spiritual quest.
Responding to the developments, DMK Parliamentary Party leader TR Baalu criticized the BJP government, accusing it of using the construction of the Ram Mandir for political mobilization. He expressed concern over the politicization of individual faith and deemed it contrary to the spirit of India and the values of the Constitution.
TN Minister Udhaya Nidhi Stalin reiterated the DMK’s opposition to the Ram Mandir, built on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid. He also highlighted the state government’s decision to halt special events like bhajans, poojas, and anna dhan on the day of the ‘Prana Pratishta’ ceremony in Ayodhya, citing potential law and order issues.
Baalu further criticized the BJP government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of attempting to deceive the public by portraying the construction and consecration of the Ram Mandir as an achievement. He emphasized that an individual’s faith is a personal spiritual quest and should not be exploited for political gains.
Baalu argued that using bhakti as a political tool contradicts India’s spiritual values and democratic norms, deeming it detrimental to the nation’s future. He expressed his disapproval of the BJP’s approach to leveraging individual faith for political purposes.
Indu Shah Kanchi’s determined journey to Ayodhya, despite police hurdles, adds a chapter to the ongoing discourse surrounding the intersection of individual faith, politics, and administrative decisions in the country.
