BJP,VHP raise the pitch on Ayodhya

From the symbolism of L K Advani travelling to Somnath to making an open reference about construction of a Ram Temple

From the symbolism of L K Advani travelling to Somnath to making an open reference about construction of a Ram Temple,the BJP which had maintained silence on the Ayodhya issue till now on Friday signalled its intention to recapture the spirit of the mandir movement of the 1990s while it awaits the judicial verdict on the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit.

The VHP and its array of sants raised the heat by giving a call to the Hindu society to be ready for an agitation for construction of a temple. The VHP although it pledged to wage a non-violent struggle in a democratic way spoke in different voices. It wanted immediate pronouncement of the verdict and argued courts could not adjudicate on matters of religion.

Breaking its self-imposed silence a day after the Supreme Court stayed pronouncement of the verdict by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court,the BJP said judicial delays over the last 61 years have contributed to the failure of the resolution of the issue of construction of a Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

We hope the resolution of this issue is not delayed any further, said senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley. His one-line statement reaffirming the BJPs commitment to construction of Ram Temple came after a meeting of the partys top brass. Adding a symbolic tinge was Advanis scheduled visit to Somnath on Saturday from where he began his Rath Yatra to Ayodhya the same day 20 years ago.

The VHP held a meeting of its high-powered body of religious leaders but the doublespeak was apparent.

VHP leaders Mahant Nritya Gopal Das of the Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas and the other sants wanted the court to deliver its verdict immediately but argued that Ram was above all courts and temple issue was an issue of faith,sentiment and devotion. VHP chief Ashok Singhal warned of tremendous protests in case of an adverse verdict.

As if he was apprehending an unfavourable verdict,Singhal said the VHP would not allow construction of a mosque within the 70 acres of the acquired land and ruled out any possibility of an out-of-court settlement. Both Singhal and the sants repeatedly asserted that the agitation would be peaceful. He also expressed the resolve to approach the apex court if the verdict went against them.

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The high-powered body insisted that a grand Ram Temple should be constructed at the 70-acre area and demanded that a law be passed in Parliament for ensuring that.

Advani,Uma to visit Somnath

RAJKOT: Uma Bharti is set to accompany senior BJP leader L K Advani during his visit to Somnath on Saturday to mark the anniversary of his Ramjanmabhoomi Rath Yatra to Ayodhya,reviving speculation about her return to the party fold. In the past too,there was talk of her comeback after Jaswant Singh joined the party again.ens