Temple — PM’s views leave UP BJP leaders confused

“The BJP is gradually unfolding its hidden agenda. Though the party and its allies are speaking in different languages, how can it be a mere coincidence that Vajpayee’s views come at a time when VHP has come out so vehemently with its demand,” said Pramod Tiwari, UP Congress Legislature Party leader.

Political observers here say that keeping the lack of interest shown by the people of Ayodhya and Faizabad over the issue, the BJP may not be able to derive political mileage this time. With Assembly elections due next year, the party has clearly indicated that it will flaunt the temple card this time.

“The BJP has realised that it cannot face the electorate without a potentissue because of party’s misrule in the state and resultant incumbencyfactor. But this time, the people will not fall into the same trap,” said Ram Sharan Das, Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party chief.

Vajpayee’s observation has also put Uttar Pradesh BJP leaders in a quandary because they are still unable to decide their next move. State BJP leaders had been maintaining ever since the Vajpayee Government came to power that construction of the temple at Ayodhya was not on its Government’s agenda. “We are unable to decide on which line to tow now. Our pro-temple comments are bound to cause pinpricks to the Vajpayee Government while we will be cornered if we dissociate ourselves from the issue, especially after PM’s remarks,” observed a senior party leader, requesting anonymity.

On the other hand, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders are visibly happy over PM’s views and are eagerly awaiting a message from the proposed Dharam Sansad — supreme body of saints — to be held during the Kumbh festival in Allahabad next month. “The Dharam Sansad will announce the date and schedule of the temple construction at the disputed site,” Ashok Singhal had said while addressing karsewaks in Ayodhya on December 6.