The BJP and the RSS and the newly-appointed Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, have welcomed the Supreme Court’s suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute .
The RSS said a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya should be built with the participation of “all Indians”. Its joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabele said in Coimbatore that the organisation would go by what the Dharma Sansad, which was at the forefront of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, would do on the issue.
“It [Ram temple issue] is to be decided by the Dharam Sansad, as they are the people who organised the entire Ram Janambhumi movement and the parties who went to the court. RSS will not decide.”
Fund for project
Mr. Adityanath said he met Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma and assured him that land would be allotted for a grand Ram museum in Ayodhya. “We had allotted ₹125 crore for this project, but it couldn’t go forward as land is a State subject and the previous government did not cooperate,” said Mr. Sharma. “We have got a verbal assurance from the new Chief Minister that 25 acres close to the banks of the Sarayu river will be allotted for the museum.” The BJP said the SC had called for an out-of-court settlement and the aggrieved parties should resolve the issue amicably by talking to each other.
“We welcome this step and I believe they should have talks outside the court,” said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra. The party would study the observations made by the apex court, which had said the issue was sensitive and sentimental and concerned the faith of millions of people.
BJP veteran L.K. Advani said the Supreme Court’s observation was a welcome step. “I hope in the light of the apex court’s advise, all parties concerned will reach a consensus and find a solution to the Ram temple issue,” he told reporters.
The Supreme Court’s observations came after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy mentioned the matter and sought an urgent hearing.
Who said what
My suggestion is that Masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river - Subramanian Swamy, Intervener in Ayodhya case
It is a very good view that the SC has taken. I think the problem will be solved - Vinay Katiyar, BJP MP
We will not go for out-of-court settlement. If court passes an order, we will follow - Zafaryab Jilani Convener, Babri Masjid Action Committee
The RSS will not decide it. The RSS will go by the Dharam Sansad’s decision - Dattatreya Hosabale RSS joint general secretary
The main issue is who owns the land. The court has to adjudicate on it - Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary
Published - March 22, 2017 12:31 am IST
