Temple tantrums

PM: How many times do I have to clarify these issues? You presswallahs just have no faith in your leaders. As far as my government is concerned, the Constitution and rule of law are supreme.

Suddenly the morning calm was broken by the woodpecker-like insistence of chisel on stone. But we ignored it8230;

Me: PMji, they say the flooring for the ground floor of the temple is complete8230;

PM: I don8217;t want to comment on rumours spread by the Opposition.

The sound of 10 chisels chipping away at stone rent the air, but wecarried on8230;

Me: But according to all evidence, work on the temple is going on in four workshops in Rajasthan and UP.

PM: I don8217;t want to comment on rumours spread by the media.

The sound of a hammer descending on marble disturbed the peace, but we pretended that it didn8217;t exist8230;

Me: I believe, 44 pillars have already been carved and 62 more will be ready in three months.

PM: Didn8217;t I expressly specify that that I don8217;t want to comment on speculative media reports?

The sound of about 25 hammers simultaneously making contact with stone came through sharp and clear, but the interview went on uninterrupted.

Me: But one of the Sangh Parivar members has threatened an agitation for the temple led by the sadhus and dharmacharyas.

PM: My government will not allow any organisation to violate the sanctity of the judicial process.

The grinding of stone somewhere in the distance shattered the peace, but it did notdistract us8230;

Me: But members in the Sangh Parivar have stated that the temple is a matter of faith and is therefore outside the purview of the judiciary.

PM: All I can say with all the strength at my command is that my government will not allow any organisation to violate the sanctity of the judicial process.

The grinding of sack loads of stones went on apace but it was as if nothing was happening as far as we are concerned8230;

Me: But PMji, one of your party spokespersons has said that the party is committed to the temple and if the court verdict went against it, legislation will be necessary to overrule it.

PM: If the Supreme Court gives a contrary ruling on the Ayodhya issue, my government will perform its Constitutional duty of ensuring that nobody acts against that verdict.

The sound of crane moving a very heavy object came through nice and clear, but it didn8217;t disturb us8230;

Me: One of the Sangh Parivar members have warnedthat the patience of the sadhus and the people could break if there is a delay in the construction of the temple.

PM: Our paramount concern is national security, socio-economic development and communal harmony.

The sound of more heavy objects being lifted by the crane wafted through the air but we continued nevertheless8230;

Me: One mahant has even said that the Ram temple will not wait for the BJP or the Supreme Court.

PM: I repeat, our paramount concern is to protect national security, socio-economic development and communal harmony.

The harsh grating of a stone-cutting machine set our teeth on edge, but it did not deter us8230;Me: One of the Sangh Parivar spokesperson went on record as having said that while they do not set any time limit, they can8217;t say when the action will begin.

PM: Why do you presswallahs listen to bazaar gossip?

More stone machines were pressed into action, but we did not lose ourcomposure8230;

Me: But these people also insist that the demolition was an act of faith.

PM: The demolition was a mishap. I assure you such a thing will not happen again. All will be well and the rule of law shall prevail.

But even as he said this all hell broke loose, as the cacophony of chisels, hammers, stone-grinders, cranes, and stone cutters drowned our voices. Since we couldn8217;t hear each other any more, the interview had to be somewhat abruptly terminated.