Quarrying on for Ram temple, govt only has to say yes8217;

AGRA, October 13: Between the flag hoisting and the songs at the Rashtriya Raksha Mahashivir, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ...

AGRA, October 13: Between the flag hoisting and the songs at the Rashtriya Raksha Mahashivir, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS reiterated what they have said before. One: they were not too pleased with the way the government8217;s running things. And, that the construction of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya would happen the minute the government gave a green signal.

The inauguration of the three-day camp had all the trappings of a regular RSS function. The cadre was there is full strength, the saffron flags were flying high and everything went according to plan. Standing high on specially constructed stage 8212; a symbolic representation of the Govardhan mountain that Krishna lifted on his little finger 8212; regional leader Mohan Bhagwat told the gathering that dependence on governments and politicians would not solve anybody8217;s problems. In a speech peppered with animal stories, Bhagwat said: 8220;Everybody is aware of the problems plaguing the country. People also realise that depending on politicians or the government is not going to solve anybody8217;s problem. But that doesn8217;t mean we give up.8221;

Bhagwat8217;s speech was backed, though a bit reluctantly, by senior RSS leader Madan Das Devi later in the day. Addressing a press conference, he evaded questions on the functioning of the government. Specifically asked to analyse the Vajpayee government8217;s one year in office, he said: 8220;There is no government that satisfies everybody. We understand the compulsions and circumstances that are dictating the government8217;s functioning.8221;

Before the function began, Vishwa Hindu Parishad VHP president Ashok Singhal categorically said that stone quarrying for the construction of the temple was going on uninterrupted. Agitated, he said that the construction of the temple would happen, irrespective of the government. Das later repeated the sentiment. Though he said all the initiative was being taken by the sadhus and VHP, there was no doubt that the minute the government said yes, the construction work would begin. 8220;Everyone knows the quarrying work is on,8221; he elaborated.

8220;After the government says yes, the mandir will be constructed in a matter of six months. The VHP and sadhu sangh will ensure it. We really don8217;t have anything to do with it.8221;