New Delhi, August 27
The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, today reiterated in the Lok Sabha that talks were on to resolve the Ayodhya issue.

Defending his statement in Lucknow, yesterday, where he had indicated that talks at various levels were on to find a way out of the Ayodhya impasse before the March deadline of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Mr Vajpayee said he had only replied to the questions of reporters on the issue.

Mr Vajpayee was under attack during zero hour from the Opposition, especially the Congress, for making a statement on such a sensitive issue when Parliament was in session.

The Prime Minister while responding to the Opposition charge declined to name the organisation with whom the government was having discussions.

Mr Vajpayee clarified that there was no bar on addressing a press conference when Parliament was in session. It was during such a conference that he was asked about the government’s stand on the VHP’s statement that it will begin construction of Ram temple by March next year and he had said that the government wanted a solution before March and talks were on to resolve the issue.

When members insisted that the Prime Minister disclose the names of the organisations with whom talks were being held, Mr Vajpayee said the names cannot be disclosed in public interest.

The Prime Minister said he would come back on the subject in the House after the talks concluded and a decision was reached.

He, however, appreciated the concern of the members on the Ayodhya issue and hoped that they would help in finding a solution to the vexed problem.