On the historic date of December 6, 1992, a monumental event unfolded in the calendars of Ram bhakts and devout Sanatanis—an event that reshaped the narrative around the birthplace of Ram Lala. It was the day when a disputed structure by ‘kar sewa’ met its fate at the hands of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Kalyan Singh, who stood by his actions with unwavering pride, accepting all consequences that followed. In his resolute stance, Shri Kalyan Singh emphatically declared, “Some may label the incident as a national shame, but I see it as a matter of national pride.” He further reinforced his unshakable resolve by stating, “No regrets, no repentance, no sorrow, no grief,” embodying a steadfast commitment to the cause he championed. Us all must grasp the essence of Shri Kalyan Singh’s persona—a fervent Swayamsevak and unwavering Sanatani. His captivating dedication to these roles has etched a fascinating narrative, urging us to delve into the profound layers of his commitment to nationalist ideology.
Shri Kalyan Singh Ji, born on January 5, 1932, emerged as a formidable figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as an MLA from Atrauli, Uttar Pradesh, since his first election victory in 1967. His political journey was marked by an evolution from a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Swayamsevak and a part-time wrestler in Aligarh to a significant leader within the BJP, eventually holding key positions and even serving as the Rajasthan governor in his final phase of public life.
A prominent face in the BJP’s Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, Kalyan Singh’s rise in politics coincided with his steadfast support for the movement. His leadership during the Ekatma Yatra, symbolising unity by collecting water from various rivers across the country, exemplified his commitment to the cause. His tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, particularly during the disputed structure (so-called ‘Babri Masjid’) demolition in 1992, became a defining moment in his political career. Despite accusations and implications in the Liberhan Commission report, Kalyan Singh remained resolute, defending his actions and expressing no remorse for the demolition. His firm belief in the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya persisted, echoing through his unwavering dedication to the cause.
Kalyan Singh’s influence extended beyond his political career. He held prominence as a leader of the Lodh community, known for its influence not just in Uttar Pradesh but also in Madhya Pradesh. Under his leadership, the BJP saw significant victories, notably in the 1991 Assembly polls, securing a majority for the first time in Uttar Pradesh. His involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement led to his arrest during the Emergency, marking a turning point in his trajectory. His resilience and rise to key positions within the BJP showcased his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to his beliefs. In a remarkable show of conviction, Kalyan Singh, in his 27-page affidavit submitted to the Liberhan Commission in 2004, expressed no regret or remorse for the demolition, viewing it as an act of God and an essential step toward eradicating a symbol of slavery and stain. Despite facing trial in the Babri demolition conspiracy case in 2019, Kalyan Singh was acquitted in 2020, affirming his stance and reinforcing his dedication to the cause of constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
As the BJP secured another victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir, thereby realising Kalyan Singh’s enduring dream—a testament to his unwavering commitment and influence in shaping the political landscape in India.
Kalyan Singh Ji’s legacy remains intertwined with his unyielding dedication to the construction of the Ram Mandir, exemplifying a leader who stood firm in his beliefs despite the complexities and controversies that marked his political journey.
