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www.GOALias.blogspot.comRecent Developments in Indian Politics 185As soon as the locks of the Babri Masjid were opened, mobilisationbegan on both sides. Many Hindu and Muslim organisations triedto mobilise their communities on this question. Suddenly this localdispute became a major national question and led to communaltensions. The BJP made this issue its major electoral and politicalplank. Along with many other organisations like the RSS and theVishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), it convened a series of symbolicand mobilisational programmes. This large scale mobilisation led tosurcharged atmosphere and many instances of communal violence.The BJP, in order to generate public support, took out a massive marchcalled the Rathyatra from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in UP.Demolition and afterIn December 1992, the organisations supporting the construction ofthe temple had organised a Karseva, meaning voluntary service by thedevotees, for building the Ram temple. The situation had become tenseall over the country and especially at Ayodhya. The Supreme Court hadordered the State government to take care that the disputed site willnot be endangered. However, thousands of people gathered from allover the country at Ayodhya on 6 December 1992 and demolishedthe mosque. This news led to clashes between the Hindus andMuslims in many parts of the country. The violence in Mumbaierupted again in January 1993 and continuedfor over two weeks.