India: Rajasthan Withdraws Order Recognizing Babri Demolition Anniversary After Public Backlash

India: Rajasthan Withdraws Order Recognizing Babri Demolition Anniversary After Public Backlash
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The government of the Indian state of Rajasthan has rescinded a controversial order that had officially declared the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid as a public observance, Clarion India reported. The move comes after widespread public uproar and sharp criticism from across social, political, and communal lines.

The original order had designated the demolition-day anniversary — a date of high sensitivity for India’s religious communities — for commemoration under state permission. However, following the backlash, the state authorities announced the withdrawal of that decision, stating they aimed to preserve communal harmony and public order.

Critics had warned that granting official recognition to the demolition anniversary risked inflaming tensions in a diverse state like Rajasthan, where Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other religious communities co-exist. In reaction to the public outcry, the state’s reversal was welcomed by many who had viewed the order as provocative and potentially divisive.

Local leaders and community representatives praised the decision as a step toward protecting communal peace. Some pointed out that the revocation reflects responsiveness to citizens’ concerns and a commitment to secular governance.

The controversy and its resolution underscore the fragile nature of religious and political balance in India, especially when it comes to sensitive historical events. Rajasthan’s decision may influence how other states handle similar orders in the future, highlighting the importance of social cohesion over political gestures tied to divisive anniversaries.