Three-point formula sent to Board

A three-point formula has been suggested by Kanchi Kamakoti Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board A...

A three-point formula has been suggested by Kanchi Kamakoti Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board AIMPLB for resolving the Ayodhya dispute. It envisages status quo on the disputed area and its protection with a wall till a court verdict, an NoC by the board for the construction of a temple on the undisputed land acquired by the Government and the construction of a mosque just outside the Panchkosi Parikrama under Government supervision.

Sources disclosed here today that Mathura and Kashi do not figure in the draft sent by the Shankaracharya8217;s office secretary to the AIMPLB, but he assured Board president Maulana Rabe Hasan Nadwi during their meeting at Lucknow on June 7 that the Hindus will not press their claims over the two shrines.

What he said and left unsaid

Points mooted
8226; Status quo on disputed area, to be protected with a wall till court verdict
8226; NoC by All India Muslim Personal Law Board for construction of a temple on undisputed land acquired by Govt
8226; Construction of mosque just outside Panchkosi Parikrama under Govt supervision

Not mentioned
8226; No mention of Mathura and Kashi, only verbal assurance
8226; No mention of allowing prayers in mosques under ASI control though issue discussed

The draft also makes no mention of the mosques currently under the control of the Archaelogical Survey of India but Nadwi did plead for their restoration to Muslims during his discussions with the Shankaracharya. The seer told him he could not give any commitment on the issue as the matter concerned the Muslim community and the Government. However, he agreed to convey his feelings to the Government.

The sources said the formula only outlines the broad contours of a compromise, leaving scope for adjustments. The Muslims are not content with mere assurances on Mathura and Kashi and want special legislations to protect them though a law, enacted by the P V Narasimha Rao Government in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition, guarantees it. The Muslims also want a mosque within the Parikrama. The Shankaracharya is not completely averse to this demand.

The formula has the blessings of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and his deputy, L K Advani. They wish to put a settlement in place before the November assembly elections. If everything goes according to the script, the Ram temple construction could begin before the 2004 Lok Sabha polls. Obviously, the BJP will then go to the people with the temple as its trophy. 8216;Jo kaha, so kiya8217; will be the slogan.

Story continues below this ad

The two leaders have decided to pursue it without taking the Vishwa Hindu Parishad VHP along because they believe the uncompromising attitude of the Parishad would be an impediment. They feel the Parishad would get isolated once the ball is set rolling.

However, Vajpayee has asked HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi to try to bring around VHP working president Ashok Singhal. The VHP is resisting the Shankaracharya initiative because of the move to sideline it. Besides, it is not prepared to forego Hindu claims over the Mathura and Kashi shrines. The RSS continues to stick to its stated position on Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura but the BJP leadership is working hard to win its support. The Sangh may show its cards later. However, Venkaiah Naidu has assured Sarsanghchalak K S Sudarshan that the VHP would be involved in the construction of the temple, once a settlement is reached with the AIMPLB.