Kalyan Singh's tenure as CM to be remembered for pushing nationalist mission in U.P.: Adityanath

Kalyan Singh, affectionately known as "Babuji," was a towering figure in Uttar Pradesh politics whose tenure as Chief Minister is often revisited for its significant impact on the state's socio-political landscape. The recent tribute by current UP CM Adityanath, remembering Singh for pushing a "nationalist mission" and restoring public confidence during "widespread disorder," highlights the enduring legacy and political significance of such leaders.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Kalyan Singh's political career was intrinsically linked with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hindutva movement in India, particularly the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation. He served two terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, first from June 1991 to December 1992, and then from September 1997 to November 1999. His first term was particularly momentous, coinciding with the peak of the Ayodhya movement. Uttar Pradesh, being the site of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid structure, was at the epicenter of intense political and communal fervor. The "widespread disorder" mentioned by Adityanath refers to the socio-political tensions, communal polarization, and law and order challenges that characterized this period.

During his first tenure, Singh positioned his government as a proponent of Hindu nationalism, aligning with the BJP's core ideology. His government facilitated the entry of karsevaks (religious volunteers) into Ayodhya, leading to the fateful demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. This event was a watershed moment in Indian history, profoundly impacting the secular fabric of the nation and leading to widespread communal riots across the country. Kalyan Singh famously took moral responsibility for the demolition, stating that he could not go against the will of the devotees, and subsequently resigned as Chief Minister. His government was dismissed by the central government, and President's Rule was imposed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, citing a breakdown of constitutional machinery.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **Kalyan Singh:** The central figure, whose political ideology and actions as CM shaped the events. His commitment to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement defined his political identity.

* **Yogi Adityanath:** The current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who, by paying tribute, reinforces the BJP's historical narrative and connects the party's present leadership with its ideological predecessors.

* **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):** The political party that Kalyan Singh represented, which has historically championed the cause of Hindutva and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

* **People of Uttar Pradesh:** The primary beneficiaries or sufferers of the government's policies and the prevailing law and order situation, whose confidence Singh was credited with restoring.

* **Hindutva Movement:** A broader ideological and socio-political movement that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values, of which Kalyan Singh was a prominent face.

**Why This Matters for India and Historical Context:**

Kalyan Singh's legacy is significant for understanding the evolution of Indian politics, particularly the rise of identity politics and the consolidation of the BJP. His actions as CM during the Ayodhya movement cemented the BJP's image as a party dedicated to its core ideological promises. The "nationalist mission" he pursued can be understood as the assertion of a cultural nationalism tied to Hindu identity, which resonated with a significant section of the electorate. This period marked a critical juncture where religious identity became a dominant force in electoral politics, moving away from traditional caste-based or economic issues.

The events of 1992 and their aftermath led to a re-evaluation of secularism in India and sparked debates on the role of religion in public life. The demolition led to a series of legal battles, culminating in the Supreme Court's verdict in 2019, which paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed site. Singh's role, therefore, is not just a chapter in UP politics but a foundational element in the contemporary political narrative of India.

**Future Implications:**

The continued tributes to figures like Kalyan Singh by current leadership suggest a conscious effort to uphold and propagate the ideological lineage of the BJP. This narrative-building is crucial for the party to consolidate its support base, especially in electorally significant states like Uttar Pradesh. It reinforces the party's commitment to its core agenda and appeals to voters who identify with the "nationalist mission." For competitive exams, understanding this continuity is vital, as it reflects ongoing political trends and the strategic use of historical memory in contemporary politics. The emphasis on "restoring public confidence" also highlights a political strategy to project strong leadership capable of maintaining order, a theme often invoked in governance.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

* **Article 164:** Deals with the appointment of the Chief Minister by the Governor and other provisions related to state ministers. Kalyan Singh's appointment and resignation fall under the ambit of this article.

* **Article 356:** Pertains to the imposition of President's Rule in a state if the constitutional machinery breaks down. His government's dismissal in December 1992 was a direct application of this article.

* **Preamble of the Indian Constitution:** Contains the word "Secular," though the events of 1992 sparked intense debates about the practical application and interpretation of this principle in India.

* **Rule of Law:** The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. The legal proceedings following the Babri Masjid demolition, including charges against Kalyan Singh, underscore the importance of this principle.