M A I N   N E W S

BJP ready to consider law on Ayodhya

New Delhi, July 12
In a bid to mollify a restive VHP, the BJP top brass tonight agreed to consider a legislation for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, an issue outside the NDA agenda, at its National Executive next week even as saffron outfit resiled from its demand for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s resignation.

The BJP, which has been expressing its helplessness on the legislation saying it was part of a coalition that does not accept it, gave its assurance at a meeting between RSS top brass, including its Chief K.S. Sudarshan and Vajpayee and other leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani.

The significant assurance came on a day of hectic activities in the Sangh Parivar after the VHP supremo Ashok Singhal asked the government to seek a fresh mandate if it cannot bring in a legislation on Ayodhya.

Briefing mediapersons on the deliberations of a crucial meeting to discuss the future course of action on Ayodhya, Mr Singhal also threatened a country wide agitation if the BJP “turns away from its duty” to introduce a bill on Ayodhya. He also denied ever having demanded Vajpayee’s resignation for his “failure” to bring in a legislation on Ayodhya. As a quick follow up, Mr Sudarshan and RSS Joint General Secretary Madan Das Devi met Mr Vajpayee, Mr Advani and BJP chief Venkaiah Naidu and urged them to “consider what they can” with regard to VHP’s “concerns and expectations” including the demand for a legislation. — PTI