M A I N   N E W S

BJP, Sangh Parivar elated
Faraz Ahmad
Tribune News Service

In battle-ready mode

New Delhi, September 30
The Allahabad High Court judgment on the Ayodhya dispute has boosted the morale of the BJP and other Sangh Parivar members, with all of them elated at the prospect of constructing the Ram Mandir at the disputed spot. BJP patriarch LK Advani, who had led the Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990 for building the temple, summoned party leaders at his home soon after the judgment.

Thrilled at the vindication of the BJP and Sangh Parivar’s stand, a BJP statement read out by Advani stated: “So far the judgment upholds the right of the Hindus to construct a temple at the garbh grih. It is a significant step forward towards the construction of a temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama.”

His statement also referred to “the expert opinion of the Archaeological Survey of India and other expert agencies (engaged by the Supreme Court) had clearly opined that there were remains of a Hindu religious structure where the disputed structure stood.”

The statement concluded as saying: “The BJP is gratified that the nation has received the verdict with maturity.”

Curiously, the reaction of RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagwat was far more subdued, counselling restrain to the Ram Mandir protagonists.

Even the rabid and usually strident VHP general secretary Praveen Togadia restricted his comment to saying: “Today we simply welcome the fact that the right of Ram Lalla Birajman has been accepted by the court, by all three judges.”

Calling for the commencement of construction of a “magnificent temple”, Bhagwat, however, added, “The movement for Ram Temple is not reactionary, nor is it against any particular community.” “It should not be seen as a victory of a group or defeat of another. Our joy and happiness should find expression in a controlled, peaceful manner within the limits of law and Constitution.”

Bhagwat addressed the Muslims saying: “I take this opportunity to call upon all our countrymen, including the Muslims, to forget ill-will and hard feelings borne out of the conflicts of the past decades.”

Togadia, who had only the other day sounded despondent fearing an adverse judgment and was girding up for a long drawn struggle for the Ram Mandir, was more than pleased today.

The VHP general secretary sufficed to say: “We are only welcoming today the verdict that where Ram Lalla Birajman is there, is Ram Janmabhoomi.”

He also released a statement on behalf of the sadhus’ committee welcoming the court ruling saying: “Prayers would continue uninterrupted at the present spot.”