Sadhvi Ritambhara has long been a polarizing figure in India’s socio-political landscape. Often associated with the radical Hindutva ideology, her journey has been marked by inflammatory speeches, communal unrest, and more recently, national recognition with a Padma Award—one of India’s highest civilian honors. This article explores her contentious past and the contradictions it presents in the current socio-political environment.
Early Years and Entry into Hindutva Politics
Sadhvi Ritambhara rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a firebrand orator aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Her fiery speeches were aimed at mobilizing support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement—culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
Timeline of Controversies and Legal Trouble
🔴 1991 – Booked for Hate Speech
She was charged under IPC Section 153A by Delhi Police for inciting communal hatred through provocative speeches.
🔴 1992 – Named in Babri Demolition Case
Ritambhara was accused alongside BJP leader L.K. Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case that sparked nationwide riots and led to over 2,000 deaths.
🔴 1995 – Anti-Christian Speech Arrest
Following an anti-Christian speech in Indore, she was jailed. Her remarks led to riots and mass unrest in the region.
🔴 2002 – Protests During U.S. Visit
Rights groups protested her public events in the U.S. over her inciting speeches. The backlash underscored international concern about communal hate.
🔴 2009 – Indicted by Liberhan Commission
The Liberhan Commission, which investigated the Babri Masjid demolition, held her culpable for pushing India “to the brink of communal discord.”
🔴 2017 – Charged With Criminal Conspiracy
She was again declared culpable in the Babri case, this time charged with conspiracy for her role in orchestrating the demolition.
🔴 2020 – Acquitted Despite Evidence
Despite audio-visual evidence and mass casualties linked to the Babri riots, she and others were acquitted by a special CBI court—sparking outrage from civil rights groups.
🔴 2022 – Global Protests Cancel Fundraisers
Events scheduled in New Jersey and the U.K. were cancelled following global protests, citing her history of hate speech.
A Padma Award Amid Global Criticism
In a shocking move, the Indian government awarded Sadhvi Ritambhara the Padma award. Critics argue that honoring someone linked to communal violence, hate speeches, and multiple court cases not only undermines the judiciary but also encourages religious extremism under the veil of nationalism.
Double Standards and Growing Intolerance
Her story reflects a larger trend where individuals involved in divisive politics are glorified, while those promoting peace and secularism are sidelined or vilified. It raises questions about selective justice, the politicization of awards, and the silence of key institutions when faced with hate speech and communal crimes.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for India?
Sadhvi Ritambhara’s journey from a communal orator to a Padma awardee is a troubling sign for India’s democratic values. It sends a dangerous message that hate can be rewarded when it aligns with the ruling ideology. At a time when India needs unity and inclusivity, glorifying figures tied to discord threatens the secular fabric of the nation.