The BJP’s Faizabad MP, Lallu Singh, was one of the key faces of the Ram Mandir movement and among the 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. As Ayodhya gears up for the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, Singh, under whose constituency the temple town falls, speaks to The Indian Express on what the temple represents, the Ram janmabhoomi movement, and if the BJP will take up the cause of other temples. Excerpts:

Singh: Lord Ram is the symbol of Hindu religion, culture and the centre of faith; he is our identity. If we take the example of any nation in this world, the faith of the majority would be the centre. And ours is a culture of an all-encompassing faith.

Millions had agitated for a temple for Prabhu Shri Ram in Ayodhya. The BJP had promised that it would make efforts to remove all the obstacles in getting a court clearance, and see to it that a temple for the Lord would be constructed.

After Modiji’s government was formed in 2014 and Yogiji (Yogi Adityanath) came to power in Uttar Pradesh, they have taken all efforts to clear the obstacles. The Supreme Court gave a verdict in favour of the construction and asked the government to grant land for the construction of the Masjid.

Whenever there is a positive outcome for a struggle, the credit goes to those behind it. It is quite natural that the BJP is taking the credit. We had led the agitation. Why would we not get the credit?

This Opposition had been arguing that Ram is a myth. The UPA government, on the issue of Ram Setu, had given an affidavit saying there were no historical records to prove the existence of Ram. They have been committing an error since the beginning (of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement).

Now, the Opposition is frustrated. It stems from the disappointment over the erosion of the ground beneath their feet. They are disturbed because Hindus are united, blurring caste lines, for the first time in the history of Independent India. Modiji has been catering to the requirements of everyone in society and earning the respect of everyone.

In fact, they should come to the feet of Lord Ram at least now. It is not late. Lord Ram may forgive their mistakes and bless them.

Singh: We all belong to one ideology. When we talk about nationalism, patriotism or about strengthening the country and its culture, we are one. Modiji is our leader; he is the PM. He is the one representing our ideology and culture before the global community.

Look at the way he promoted yoga. It has now become popular across the world irrespective of religion and class.

There was an awakening about the spiritual and social consciousness of this country. Lot of people started feeling proud about it. Modiji realised this and worked in its support and he got a majority and formed the government in 2014.

Then he started working for the last man in the queue. Any leader who works for the people and improves their lives would be popular.

Singh: It is true that many played a role (in the movement). But they never looked at the credit they could get for it. They fought because of their devotion and love for Lord Ram. They took it as a commitment to see to it that a temple was constructed at his birthplace… In every religion, there are people who are committed. They do not get credit, but the entire community gets the credit.

Singh: Those dedicated to service do not look at the advantages they get out of it. Service to God is not with a particular purpose. As a party, we wanted to build a temple that could symbolise the country’s culture and give a message of humanity and sacrifice.

Majority in this country, including those who belong to other religions, felt that there should be a temple. Whoever wants to go there can go. Others need not. But no one has anything against the temple.

Singh: Every party has realised this country’s affection and devotion for Lord Ram. The Opposition is now scared and is exploring ways to compensate for their foolish decision not to be part of the programme in Ayodhya. It is an attempt to save themselves.

Singh: Countries whose politics are based on religious values and principles are good for society. Because religion does not make you do wrong things. Christianity is a religion that gives emphasis to service. If politics does not focus on service to the people, it will fail. If the public personalities follow the values taught by religion, there will be a healthy society.

Singh: We have decided not to take up an agitation for them. We have left it to the courts. People with reasons and documents to prove that the original temples were demolished to build something else will go to the court. If they do not have proof, the court will reject their demands. We cannot stop them, because it is their aastha (faith).