LUCKNOW: With the general elections inching closer, seers and right-wing outfits such as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Shiv Sena and the Anarrashtirya Hindu Parishad of Praveen Togadia, are raising the Ram Mandir pitch. In fact, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath had to intervene recently when Mahant Paramhans Das went on a fast unto death for seeking dates to begin the temple construction.
However, Triloki Nath Pandey, a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, advised all stakeholders to wait and watch what happens in the Supreme Court. Another litigant, Iqbal Ansari, doesn’t seem amused. He felt that that the BJP government should stop the VHP from getting into an overdrive as the issue is sub-judice. “Whenever elections are near, the VHP steps up its activities.”
On Dussehra eve, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stunned observers when he sought a law to get the temple constructed. Getting a cue from Bhagwat, temple enthusiasts in Ayodhya are upbeat and the VHP has scaled up its preparations.“We have ordered more stones — up to five times more than the previous years — and artisans this year,” says a VHP functionary in Ayodhya. The Ramjanmabhoomi Mandir Nirman Karyashala (workshop) is being closely supervised by the VHP brass and Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas. “We are just awaiting the Supreme Court’s order. We hope for the best. We are not going to step back as it is the battle for the victory of truth.”
The VHP will be writing to MPs and governors across the country to drum up support for temple construction. Earlier this month, a delegation of seers met President Ram Nath Kovind to seek a law for the purpose.
Leaving its cautious approach with its senior ally BJP, the Shiv Sena is embarking upon its ‘Ayodhya Mission’. Its leaders, MPs and cadre are frequenting Ayodhya. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is also expected to visit Ayodhya on November 25. Last Monday, Togadia vowed to construct a grand Ram temple soon. He announced to launch a party, which he said, within a month of coming to power, will go for construction of temples at Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi.
Temple, Hindutva top 2019 agenda
At a high-level coordination meeting presided by BJP chief Amit Shah in Lucknow recently, the agenda for 2019 was set with Ayodhya and Hindutva as the priority issues. The meeting was attended by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, the deputy CMs, BJP state chief M N Pandey, organisation secretary Sunil Bansal and RSS brass.