Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday claimed God had chosen him as “an instrument to represent all Indians during the consecration” of the Ram temple, appearing to answer those questioning his pre-eminence at the event and underlining the fusion of politics and religion it represents.

In a 10-minute audio message, Modi said he had begun an 11-day “special observance”, as prescribed in the scriptures, to “awaken divine consciousness” within himself in the lead-up to the January 22 consecration. He did not say what the “special observance” involved.

The Prime Minister, who had virtually played chief priest while laying the foundation for the Ram temple on August 5, 2020, will lead the consecration rituals on January 22.

While the ruling dispensation hopes this will reap dividends in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Opposition has alleged that Modi’s primacy at the ceremony undermines religious heads and is one of the reasons it must be considered a political event.

“The dream that many generations have cherished in their hearts for years as a resolution, I am fortunate to be present at its fulfilment. God has made me an instrument to represent all Indians,” Modi said.

“As stated in our scriptures, we are required to awaken the divine consciousness within ourselves for the yagna and worship of God…. Therefore, based on the guidance I have received from some ascetic souls and great beings on this spiritual journey... I am beginning a special observance of 11 days from today.”

Modi sought the “blessings” of his “1.4 billion compatriots” and urged people to “immerse themselves in devotion for Lord Ram” in the run-up to the temple consecration.

“When 1.4 billion people connect with me from their hearts in that moment, and when I enter the sanctum carrying your energy, I will feel that I am not alone, but you all are with me too,” he said.

Modi encouraged people to “express their feelings” and connect with him through
the Narendra Modi App, keenly aware how comments on social media can amplify issues.

“I have personally witnessed and felt the presence of God in the form of the people…. Today, I seek your blessings. Therefore, I pray that you express your feelings in words, in writing, and bless me… reach me with your emotions through the NaMo app,” Modi said.

The start of Modi’s 11-day “special observance” coincided with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and Jijabai, mother of Maratha king Shivaji.

After delivering the audio message, Modi travelled to Maharashtra to open the National Youth Festival in Nashik and inaugurate the country’s longest sea bridge, the Atal Setu, in Mumbai.

“It is my privilege to begin my 11-day observance from the sacred place of Nashik Dham-Panchavati. Panchavati is the holy land where Lord Ram spent a significant amount of time,” he said in the audio message before the Maharashtra trip.

“Today is also a happy coincidence for me as it marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda was the one who revitalised the soul of Bharat, long oppressed for centuries.”

Modi described the Ram temple in Ayodhya as “representing our identity”.

In Nashik, Modi also took part in cleaning a famous temple before dashing off to Mumbai.

By inaugurating the country’s longest sea bridge in Maharashtra, where Assembly elections are due later this year, Modi sought to stress the BJP’s plank of “Hindutva plus development”.

In his Mumbai speech, Modi emphasised his poll slogan of “Modi Ki Guarantee” and said his government was committed to developing the country.

Both in Nashik and Mumbai, he held road shows, a regular practice for him now that the general election is approaching.

Addressing a rally in Mumbai, Modi slammed the previous UPA government, saying that 10 years ago there was only talk of “mega scams” and now of only “mega projects”.

He said the bridge was proof that his government delivered on its promises.

“On 24 December, 2016, I laid the foundation for the Atal Setu and vowed that Bharat will change and grow,” he said. “Modi’s guarantee starts when the guarantees of all others fail.”