COMMUNISTS in India led the opposition to today’s inauguration by right-wing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a Hindu temple built on the site of a historic mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya.

The provocative gesture delivered on a divisive pledge by his Hindu chauvinist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that Mr Modi hopes will catapult him to a record third successive term in forthcoming elections.

The temple, which is still under construction, is dedicated to the Hindu god Ram and fulfils a long-standing demand made by millions of Hindus who worship the revered deity.