LK Advani played a huge role, swayamsevaks contributed… credit for Ram Mandir not one person’s: Vinay Katiyar

As consecration is held of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, how do you see the moment being not just a Ram bhakt but also one of the leaders of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement?

I am delighted and overwhelmed. Lots of sacrifices have been made for this temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is coming there on January 22. It will take more time for the temple to be completed.

When did you get associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement?

It was I who started the andolan (movement) and got other people associated with it. I am an ‘andolankari neta’ and one of those who laid the foundation of the movement. Later, more people joined. Now, the construction of the temple is going on. It will move forward and the temple will be completed very soon.

Was the Bajrang Dal founded for the Ram Temple movement?

The Bajrang Dal was formed for the awakening of the Hindu samaj. Associating it with the Ram Temple movement was obvious and it played an active role. I founded the Bajrang Dal at my home in Ayodhya and the organisation started working from there. Later, it became the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindi Parishad (VHP).

Katiyar in February 1993, 2 months after the Babri Masjid demolition. (Express photo)

Where you were when the Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992?

First of all, it was not any ‘Babri vidhvansh (demolition of Babri Masjid)’. Babar built nothing. They only grabbed our old temple. That structure had become dilapidated and was removed to build the Ram Temple. This is the model and the temple is being built exactly like this (pointing towards a replica of the Ram Temple). I was at the temple site. There was no disputed structure. That was a temple. I removed that dilapidated structure. Now, a temple of stones is coming up there.

Where you were when the police fired at kar sevaks in November 1990?

I was with the kar sevaks. Two brothers, Sharad Kothari and Ram Kumar Kothari, were killed. The CRPF shot them dead. After that incident, I stopped kar seva for that day. But resumed it the following day. Kar seva remained uninterrupted.

 At the time, Opposition parties and some organisations accused the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Bajrang Dal of spreading hatred in society.

The fact is that those who made such allegations were themselves spreading hatred. They had no idea of the movement and the Bajrang Dal. But we worked for the Ram Temple and the task was completed. Vijay ho gai (we won). BJP governments were dismissed in four states. Advani (L K Advani) played a major role in the movement with his yatra. His contribution cannot be ruled out. His yatra passed through different states where different governments were ruling. His yatra did mass awakening. Unka bahut bhari yogdan tha (His contribution was huge).

There were riots in the wake of the movement, and several people, besides kar sevaks, were killed. Looking back, do you think there could have been a peaceful way of resolving the dispute?

Four kar sevaks were killed in the firing at Hanumangarhi crossing. No other person was killed. Our movement was non-violent. Violence was triggered and spread by the Mulayam Singh Yadav government. He ordered the firing. When the government changed, the matter was resolved peacefully. We held several rounds of dialogue with the government on the issue. We never talked to the Muslim side. This movement was the only way to get the Ram temple built in Ayodhya.

Being a resident of Ayodhya, what difference do you see between the Ayodhya of 1990 and 2024?

Ayodhya is developing, roads are being widened. Huge gates have been built. It’s a great feeling seeing this new Ayodhya. Devotees are being welcomed. Ghats are being renovated. The airport has been given a grand shape. Whatever we wanted in Ayodhya as per its religious values, all that is being developed there.

Who will you credit for the Ram Temple?

The credit cannot be given to one person. When such movements happen, the credit goes to the whole organisation. The RSS had a big role in the movement. It took the lead as an organisation, but its other associated organisations such as the VHP further worked for the Ram Temple, and the VHP is continuing similar work. So, the credit goes to the Sangh’s swayamsevaks.

Will these grand celebrations help the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections?

No, they will have no such effect. The Ram Mandir is not political. Ayodhya will become ‘Ram-may (subsumed by Ram)’.

 After Ayodhya, are Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura in your plans?

Let the Ram Mandir get built first, the issues of Mathura and Kashi will be considered after that. Lekin chhodenge nahin (But will not leave those too).

 Opposition leaders have been invited to the January 22 function. But the BJP earlier criticised the SP over the 1990 firing on kar sevaks and has accused the Congress of questioning the existence of Lord Ram.

Invitations have been sent and it is up to them to decide if they want to attend. The Congress has no base in Uttar Pradesh. There is no politics behind inviting them. Invites have been sent to the heads of all political parties. We have not shown any hatred or discrimination. Unity will be established if they all come and see the Ram Temple.