Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi on Sunday made a veiled attack on the BJP for not fulfilling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-sc-should-decide-early-govt-should-bring-law-to-remove-hurdles-says-rss-174260">its promise of constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya</a> and demanded the Union government enact legislation, if need be, for it.

Speaking at a VHP rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the RSS executive head said,&nbsp;"Those in power today had promised to construct Ram Temple. They should listen to people and fulfil the demand of temple in Ayodhya. They are aware of the sentiments."

Without naming the BJP, Joshi added, "We are not begging for it. We are expressing our emotions. The country wants 'Ram rajya'."

Thousands of people have gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad rally, which comes ahead of Parliament's winter session commencing on Tuesday.

The title suit of the Ayodhya land dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court. In January, the court is expected to announce a date for the beginning of the hearing.

But as the dispute has remained unresolved for more than 25 years, right-wing groups are demanding that the Union government sidestep the courts and go ahead with the temple building.

VHP president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje and its international working president Alok Kumar are also expected to address the rally.

The traffic police has issued an advisory detailing diversions in view of the rally. It said no traffic will be allowed on Ranjeet Singh Flyover (from Guru Nanak Chowk to Barakhambha Road), JLN Marg (from Rajghat to Delhi Gate), Chaman Lal Marg near VIP gate.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Ramlila Maidan and snipers have been deployed on high-rises.

The VHP had carried out a door-to-door campaign to make the rally a success.

"It is a massive gathering which will change the hearts of all those who are not in favour of bringing the bill for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya," VHP's spokesperson Vinod Bansal said.

The right-wing group had approached President Ram Nath Kovind and state governors during previous phases of its temple campaign. In the forthcoming stage, it will hold religious rituals and prayers at temples and matths.

The campaign will culminate at Prayag with a 'Dharam Sansad' of priests and saints. The final religious congregation will be held on January 31 and February 1.&nbsp;

Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi on Sunday made a veiled attack on the BJP for not fulfilling its promise of constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demanded the Union government enact legislation, if need be, for it.

Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi on Sunday made a veiled attack on the BJP for not fulfilling its promise of constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demanded the Union government enact legislation, if need be, for it. Speaking at a VHP rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the RSS executive head said, "Those in power today had promised to construct Ram Temple. They should listen to people and fulfil the demand of temple in Ayodhya. They are aware of the sentiments." Without naming the BJP, Joshi added, "We are not begging for it. We are expressing our emotions. The country wants 'Ram rajya'." Thousands of people have gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad rally, which comes ahead of Parliament's winter session commencing on Tuesday. The title suit of the Ayodhya land dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court. In January, the court is expected to announce a date for the beginning of the hearing. But as the dispute has remained unresolved for more than 25 years, right-wing groups are demanding that the Union government sidestep the courts and go ahead with the temple building. VHP president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje and its international working president Alok Kumar are also expected to address the rally. The traffic police has issued an advisory detailing diversions in view of the rally. It said no traffic will be allowed on Ranjeet Singh Flyover (from Guru Nanak Chowk to Barakhambha Road), JLN Marg (from Rajghat to Delhi Gate), Chaman Lal Marg near VIP gate. Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Ramlila Maidan and snipers have been deployed on high-rises. The VHP had carried out a door-to-door campaign to make the rally a success. "It is a massive gathering which will change the hearts of all those who are not in favour of bringing the bill for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya," VHP's spokesperson Vinod Bansal said. The right-wing group had approached President Ram Nath Kovind and state governors during previous phases of its temple campaign. In the forthcoming stage, it will hold religious rituals and prayers at temples and matths. The campaign will culminate at Prayag with a 'Dharam Sansad' of priests and saints. The final religious congregation will be held on January 31 and February 1.

At VHP rally in Delhi, 'those in power' told to 'fulfil demand of temple in Ayodhya'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-accords-highest-priority-to-agreement-between-parties-for-building-ram-temple-keshav-maurya-181854">Centre or Uttar Pradesh government </a>tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government."

"If our matter (Ram temple) is listed in January, we'll win it in two weeks. Because my two opposing parties are the central government and Uttar Pradesh government. Do they have the guts to oppose me? If they do, I`ll topple the government. Though I know that they won`t do it," he said while addressing a gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Friday.

Swamy claimed that the Muslims known to him had no objection in the construction of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2019-elections-says-amit-shah-151510">Ram temple in Ayodhya</a>.

"The Muslims I meet personally tell me that they will not have any objection on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," he asserted.

Explaining the timeline of the case, Swamy noted: "Sunni Waqf Board filed a case claiming that the land that was captured by Mughal ruler Babar is ours. They never said that they want to re-construct Babri. They just said it`s our title. Hindu parties like Ram Janmbhoomi Vyas and Nirmohi Akhada said that there were two temples of which they were trustees, and should be given to them. The Allahabad High Court heard their suit and said it`s Ram Janmbhoomi, two gumbads will go to Hindus, one to Muslims."

Further substantiating his stance and giving a chronological order to the incidents, he added: "Sunni Waqf board challenged it because the land was given to Muslims and not them.

The matter was then not heard from 2010-2017. I went to the Supreme Court, and that is why the date was not being fixed by the court. First, they ousted me asking what my stake is (in the matter)".

Elaborating upon how he further went about the case, Swamy claimed that his right to pray should be considered above a property right."I have the right to pray according to the constitution. Court agreed to hear. My faith says that Ram was born here and I want a huge temple there. Muslims are only asking for property, which is not a fundamental right. I appeal to the Supreme Court to put my fundamental right above their normal property rights and accept my petition," said the BJP leader.

Adding weightage to his remark, Swamy claimed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that there was a temple on the disputed land of Ram Janambhoomi."ASI has given a report that states there that was a temple at the land and Allahabad High Court also said that the temple should be constructed.

However, Congress said the 1994 judgement is old and a 7-judge bench should be constituted to take a decision. The judgement came in November that there is no need of the bench, so half of my work is completed.

"The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue.

The Supreme Court in October adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy has warned that if the Centre or Uttar Pradesh government tries to oppose the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he would "topple the government." "If our matter (Ram temple) is listed in January, we'll win it in two weeks. Because my two opposing parties are the central government and Uttar Pradesh government. Do they have the guts to oppose me? If they do, I`ll topple the government. Though I know that they won`t do it," he said while addressing a gathering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Friday. Swamy claimed that the Muslims known to him had no objection in the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The Muslims I meet personally tell me that they will not have any objection on the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," he asserted. Explaining the timeline of the case, Swamy noted: "Sunni Waqf Board filed a case claiming that the land that was captured by Mughal ruler Babar is ours. They never said that they want to re-construct Babri. They just said it`s our title. Hindu parties like Ram Janmbhoomi Vyas and Nirmohi Akhada said that there were two temples of which they were trustees, and should be given to them. The Allahabad High Court heard their suit and said it`s Ram Janmbhoomi, two gumbads will go to Hindus, one to Muslims." Further substantiating his stance and giving a chronological order to the incidents, he added: "Sunni Waqf board challenged it because the land was given to Muslims and not them. The matter was then not heard from 2010-2017. I went to the Supreme Court, and that is why the date was not being fixed by the court. First, they ousted me asking what my stake is (in the matter)". Elaborating upon how he further went about the case, Swamy claimed that his right to pray should be considered above a property right."I have the right to pray according to the constitution. Court agreed to hear. My faith says that Ram was born here and I want a huge temple there. Muslims are only asking for property, which is not a fundamental right. I appeal to the Supreme Court to put my fundamental right above their normal property rights and accept my petition," said the BJP leader. Adding weightage to his remark, Swamy claimed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that there was a temple on the disputed land of Ram Janambhoomi."ASI has given a report that states there that was a temple at the land and Allahabad High Court also said that the temple should be constructed. However, Congress said the 1994 judgement is old and a 7-judge bench should be constituted to take a decision. The judgement came in November that there is no need of the bench, so half of my work is completed. "The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was, on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple. Since then, several hearings have been held in the top court to resolve the issue. The Supreme Court in October adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter.

Will topple government if Ram temple construction is opposed: Subramanian Swamy

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it.

According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes".

"We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision.

"But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview.

The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing.

When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict.

Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year.

Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted".

Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said.

He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue.

"During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed.

Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind.

"Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said.

Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya.

Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different.

"The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat."

Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster".

"Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said.

Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want".

He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post.

"People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.&nbsp;

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it. According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes". "We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision. "But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview. The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing. When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict. Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year. Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted". Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said. He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue. "During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed. Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind. "Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said. Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya. Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different. "The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat." Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster". "Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said. Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want". He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post. "People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.

BJP not thinking of Ram Mandir ordinance as of now: Vijayvargiya

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti, on Sunday said that she appreciates Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's effort to push for Ram temple construction.&nbsp;

The minister appealed to all, including various political parties and leaders, to "come forward and support the construction of the temple."

"Yes, I appreciate Uddhav Thackeray for his effort. BJP doesn't have a patent on Ram Mandir, Lord Ram is of all. I appeal to everyone including SP, BSP, Akali Dal, Owaisi, Azam Khan etc to come forward and support the construction of the temple," Bharti noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Yes, I appreciate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UddhavThackeray?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UddhavThackeray</a> for his effort. BJP doesn't have a patent on Ram Mandir, Lord Ram is of all. I appeal to everyone including SP, BSP, Akali Dal, Owaisi, Azam Khan etc to come forward and support the construction of the temple: Uma Bharti, Union Minister (25.11) <a href="https://t.co/LQcpPafdBR">pic.twitter.com/LQcpPafdBR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066900477781131264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-worst-vote-bank-politics-country-has-seen-sitaram-yechury-on-ayodhya-dispute-179420">Constitution, law and order are being subverted in the name of faith</a>.

The senior leader went on to add that, "communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Clearly what's being done is in the run-up to 2019 election,communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank.This is worst vote bank politics that country has seen:CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury at the party's state conference in Tripura.(25.11) <a href="https://t.co/j9CLJJ3I6Z">pic.twitter.com/j9CLJJ3I6Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066830385525477376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This is worst vote bank politics that the country has seen," Yechury noted at the party's state conference in Tripura.&nbsp;

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti, on Sunday said that she appreciates Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's effort to push for Ram temple construction.

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti, on Sunday said that she appreciates Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's effort to push for Ram temple construction. The minister appealed to all, including various political parties and leaders, to "come forward and support the construction of the temple." "Yes, I appreciate Uddhav Thackeray for his effort. BJP doesn't have a patent on Ram Mandir, Lord Ram is of all. I appeal to everyone including SP, BSP, Akali Dal, Owaisi, Azam Khan etc to come forward and support the construction of the temple," Bharti noted. Yes, I appreciate #UddhavThackeray for his effort. BJP doesn't have a patent on Ram Mandir, Lord Ram is of all. I appeal to everyone including SP, BSP, Akali Dal, Owaisi, Azam Khan etc to come forward and support the construction of the temple: Uma Bharti, Union Minister (25.11) pic.twitter.com/LQcpPafdBR — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × Meanwhile, CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said that the Constitution, law and order are being subverted in the name of faith. The senior leader went on to add that, "communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank," news agency ANI reported. Clearly what's being done is in the run-up to 2019 election,communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank.This is worst vote bank politics that country has seen:CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury at the party's state conference in Tripura.(25.11) pic.twitter.com/j9CLJJ3I6Z — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × "This is worst vote bank politics that the country has seen," Yechury noted at the party's state conference in Tripura.

I appreciate Uddhav Thackeray for effort on Ram temple: Uma Bharti 

CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury on Sunday reacted over the political turmoil in Ayodhya over Ram temple construction stating that the Constitution, law and order are being subverted in the name of faith.&nbsp;

The senior leader went on to add that, "communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"This is worst vote bank politics that the country has seen," Yechury noted at the party's state conference in Tripura.

He said that the government must "take adequate precautions to ensure the situation doesn’t develop like in 1992 when darkest blotch in modern India's democracy was the demolition of Babri Masjid."

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Clearly what's being done is in the run-up to 2019 election,communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank.This is worst vote bank politics that country has seen:CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury at the party's state conference in Tripura.(25.11) <a href="https://t.co/j9CLJJ3I6Z">pic.twitter.com/j9CLJJ3I6Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066830385525477376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The holy city of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving for Sunday's 'Dharam Sabha', organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has been urging the government to bring legislation or an ordinance for building the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya, but he has not linked his own two-day visit to VHP event.

Thackeray said his party will support any legislation or ordinance for the Ram Mandir, which Hindutva organisations want to be constructed at the site where the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992.

CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury on Sunday reacted over the political turmoil in Ayodhya over Ram temple construction stating that the Constitution, law and order are being subverted in the name of faith.

CPI(M) secretary general Sitaram Yechury on Sunday reacted over the political turmoil in Ayodhya over Ram temple construction stating that the Constitution, law and order are being subverted in the name of faith. The senior leader went on to add that, "communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank," news agency ANI reported. "This is worst vote bank politics that the country has seen," Yechury noted at the party's state conference in Tripura. He said that the government must "take adequate precautions to ensure the situation doesn’t develop like in 1992 when darkest blotch in modern India's democracy was the demolition of Babri Masjid." Clearly what's being done is in the run-up to 2019 election,communal polarization is being sharpened to consolidate Hindutva communal vote bank.This is worst vote bank politics that country has seen:CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury at the party's state conference in Tripura.(25.11) pic.twitter.com/j9CLJJ3I6Z — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × The holy city of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving for Sunday's 'Dharam Sabha', organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has been urging the government to bring legislation or an ordinance for building the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya, but he has not linked his own two-day visit to VHP event. Thackeray said his party will support any legislation or ordinance for the Ram Mandir, which Hindutva organisations want to be constructed at the site where the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992.

This is worst vote bank politics country has seen: Sitaram Yechury on Ram temple row

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Alok Kumar said Sunday the outfit will hold gatherings in every Lok Sabha constituency till December 6 to garner support for building a Ram temple at Ayodhya.

The VHP will "order" the MPs to support a law for the construction ofRam temple, he said at a rally here.

While the first case in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue was filed in 1950, the matter is still dragging on, Kumar said, adding the Supreme Court had ordered the district court hearing the criminal case related to the conspiracy to demolish Babri Masjid to decide the matter by March 2019.

Why then did the apex court not expedite the hearing of appeals on the title suit of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in the same way, he asked.

The VHP leader cited the example of the ordinance which restored provisions related to an immediate arrest in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Arrest) Act after the Supreme Court had diluted it and argued that even when a matter is before a court, a law can be brought in the matter.

"Starting from this month, from today itself, VHP will conduct 547 sabha (gatherings) in all Lok Sabha constituencies and meet respective MPs, and order them to support the law for Ram temple as asked by people," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Alok Kumar said Sunday the outfit will hold gatherings in every Lok Sabha constituency till December 6 to garner support for building a Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Alok Kumar said Sunday the outfit will hold gatherings in every Lok Sabha constituency till December 6 to garner support for building a Ram temple at Ayodhya. The VHP will "order" the MPs to support a law for the construction ofRam temple, he said at a rally here. While the first case in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue was filed in 1950, the matter is still dragging on, Kumar said, adding the Supreme Court had ordered the district court hearing the criminal case related to the conspiracy to demolish Babri Masjid to decide the matter by March 2019. Why then did the apex court not expedite the hearing of appeals on the title suit of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in the same way, he asked. The VHP leader cited the example of the ordinance which restored provisions related to an immediate arrest in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Arrest) Act after the Supreme Court had diluted it and argued that even when a matter is before a court, a law can be brought in the matter. "Starting from this month, from today itself, VHP will conduct 547 sabha (gatherings) in all Lok Sabha constituencies and meet respective MPs, and order them to support the law for Ram temple as asked by people," Kumar said.

VHP to hold gatherings seeking support for legislation to build for Ram temple

Amidst growing demand for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya without further delay, Ramji Das of Nirmohi Akhara told VHP's dharam sabha Sunday that dates for the same will be announced early next year during Kumbh in Prayagraj.

Addressing the sabha after the inauguration marked by chanting of mantras at the Badey Bhaktmaal ki Bagia, Ramji Das said: "The date for construction of the Ram temple will be declared in the 2019 Kumbh which will be held in Prayagraj".

"It is only a matter of few days, and I request you all to show some patience," the seer remarked.

The dharam Sabha, the biggest congregation of Ram bhakts in the temple town convened to discuss the way forward for temple construction, witnessed seer after seer stressing the need for construction of the temple at the earliest.

Nritya Gopaldas, President of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, in his address said: "Such a large attendance shows that how much people from different walks of life are attached to the Ram temple.

"We respect the courts. We have great hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. I request Adityanath to pave the way for construction of Ram temple", he said making a call to the government to do the needful in this regard at the earliest.

The dharma sabha venue , which witnessed saffron hue all the way with flags, banners, buntings and headgear in the same colour, also saw the Ram Bhakts taking a pledge for construction of Ram temple, vowing by taking the soil of Ayodhya in their hands.

Religious leader Ram Bhadracharya said: "On November 23, I had called a senior union minister who assured that after the model code of conduct comes to an end on December 11, the PM is likely to sit with them and take such a decision so that Ram temple could be built."

"We were also told we will not be cheated and I feel that ordinance route may be opted in the winter session of Parliament. We should exercise patience... We have been saddened by the court (nyayalaya se niraash ho chuke hai). The court of people will not deceive us" he stressed.

Once Ram temple is built it will become a "ghoshit Hindu raashtra", he told the gathering.

Earlier senior leader Champat Rai declared that no formula dividing the disputed land will be acceptable for temple construction. "We want the entire land for temple construction ... No formula dividing the land is acceptable."

Though Rai did not spell out the details, his assertions are considered to be in reference to the Allahabad High court verdict dividing the land into three parts.

Amidst growing demand for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya without further delay, Ramji Das of Nirmohi Akhara told VHP's dharam sabha Sunday that dates for the same will be announced early next year during Kumbh in Prayagraj.

Amidst growing demand for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya without further delay, Ramji Das of Nirmohi Akhara told VHP's dharam sabha Sunday that dates for the same will be announced early next year during Kumbh in Prayagraj. Addressing the sabha after the inauguration marked by chanting of mantras at the Badey Bhaktmaal ki Bagia, Ramji Das said: "The date for construction of the Ram temple will be declared in the 2019 Kumbh which will be held in Prayagraj". "It is only a matter of few days, and I request you all to show some patience," the seer remarked. The dharam Sabha, the biggest congregation of Ram bhakts in the temple town convened to discuss the way forward for temple construction, witnessed seer after seer stressing the need for construction of the temple at the earliest. Nritya Gopaldas, President of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, in his address said: "Such a large attendance shows that how much people from different walks of life are attached to the Ram temple. "We respect the courts. We have great hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. I request Adityanath to pave the way for construction of Ram temple", he said making a call to the government to do the needful in this regard at the earliest. The dharma sabha venue , which witnessed saffron hue all the way with flags, banners, buntings and headgear in the same colour, also saw the Ram Bhakts taking a pledge for construction of Ram temple, vowing by taking the soil of Ayodhya in their hands. Religious leader Ram Bhadracharya said: "On November 23, I had called a senior union minister who assured that after the model code of conduct comes to an end on December 11, the PM is likely to sit with them and take such a decision so that Ram temple could be built." "We were also told we will not be cheated and I feel that ordinance route may be opted in the winter session of Parliament. We should exercise patience... We have been saddened by the court (nyayalaya se niraash ho chuke hai). The court of people will not deceive us" he stressed. Once Ram temple is built it will become a "ghoshit Hindu raashtra", he told the gathering. Earlier senior leader Champat Rai declared that no formula dividing the disputed land will be acceptable for temple construction. "We want the entire land for temple construction ... No formula dividing the land is acceptable." Though Rai did not spell out the details, his assertions are considered to be in reference to the Allahabad High court verdict dividing the land into three parts.

Dates for Ram temple construction will be announced early next year: VHP leader

Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;Additional Director General (law and order), Anand Kumar, briefed media over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-on-edge-as-thousands-gather-for-vhps-ram-temple-push-179294">situation in Ayodhya</a> today, adding that an alert was received by the Intelligence Bureau a few days back of a possible attack, news agency ANI reported.

He stated that the alert received was non-specific and that the department has taken a required action. &nbsp;

"People from intelligence agencies under state government and centre have been deployed there and are monitoring the situation," he added.&nbsp;

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We received alert by IB (Intelligence Bureau) a few days back, it was a non-specific alert. Action is being take. People from intelligence agencies under state govt&amp;centre have been deployed there&amp;are monitoring the situation: ADG(law&amp;order) on input by IB of an attack in Ayodhya <a href="https://t.co/kWHOHYlZEG">pic.twitter.com/kWHOHYlZEG</a>
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The holy city of Uttar Pradesh, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-on-edge-as-thousands-gather-for-vhps-ram-temple-push-179294">Ayodhya, is turned into a virtual fortress</a> with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving here for Sunday's 'Dharam Sabha', being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple.

Over 200,000 people are expected near the site where a Hindu mob in 1992 pulled down the 16th-century mosque, sparking deadly religious riots that killed some 2,000 people in one of India's worst communal violence since the partition in 1947.

More than 900 extra police and a large number of paramilitary, including elite commandos, have been stationed at Ayodhya, said Vivek Tripathi, spokesman for the Uttar Pradesh police. "We're monitoring the entire town by CCTV and drone cameras," Tripathi said.

We’ve made all the arrangements for the programme (VHP’s dharma sansad). We’ve allotted spaces for parking, bypass is running smoothly &amp; we’ll ensure it stays like that. ‘Darshan’ will be from the usual routes. We’ll do everything in an organized way: DIG Ayodhya, Omkar Singh stated.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (law and order), Anand Kumar, briefed media over the situation in Ayodhya today, adding that an alert was received by the Intelligence Bureau a few days back of a possible attack, news agency ANI reported.

Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (law and order), Anand Kumar, briefed media over the situation in Ayodhya today, adding that an alert was received by the Intelligence Bureau a few days back of a possible attack, news agency ANI reported. He stated that the alert received was non-specific and that the department has taken a required action. "People from intelligence agencies under state government and centre have been deployed there and are monitoring the situation," he added. We received alert by IB (Intelligence Bureau) a few days back, it was a non-specific alert. Action is being take. People from intelligence agencies under state govt&centre have been deployed there&are monitoring the situation: ADG(law&order) on input by IB of an attack in Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/kWHOHYlZEG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 25, 2018 × The holy city of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, is turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security and deployment of drones as people began arriving here for Sunday's 'Dharam Sabha', being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to push for the construction of the Ram temple. Over 200,000 people are expected near the site where a Hindu mob in 1992 pulled down the 16th-century mosque, sparking deadly religious riots that killed some 2,000 people in one of India's worst communal violence since the partition in 1947. More than 900 extra police and a large number of paramilitary, including elite commandos, have been stationed at Ayodhya, said Vivek Tripathi, spokesman for the Uttar Pradesh police. "We're monitoring the entire town by CCTV and drone cameras," Tripathi said. We’ve made all the arrangements for the programme (VHP’s dharma sansad). We’ve allotted spaces for parking, bypass is running smoothly & we’ll ensure it stays like that. ‘Darshan’ will be from the usual routes. We’ll do everything in an organized way: DIG Ayodhya, Omkar Singh stated.

Received alert from IB of possible attack in Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh ADG 

Amid heavy security, tens of thousands of monks and activists from Hindu nationalist groups began converging on the town of Ayodhya on Sunday to demand the construction of a temple on a disputed religious site.

Over 200,000 people are expected near the site where a Hindu mob in 1992 pulled down a 16th-century mosque, sparking deadly religious riots that killed some 2,000 people in one of India's worst communal violence since the partition in 1947.

More than 900 extra police and a large number of paramilitary, including elite commandos, have been stationed at Ayodhya, said Vivek Tripathi, spokesman for the Uttar Pradesh police. "We're monitoring the entire town by CCTV and drone cameras," Tripathi said.

In the run-up to a general election due by May 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and many Hindu outfits affiliated with the BJP have ratcheted up their demand for a new temple at the disputed site which most Hindus believe was the birthplace of warrior-God Lord Ram.

Hindu groups point to evidence there was a temple before a mosque was built by a Muslim ruler in 1528.

"The mosque was a slight on Hindus and it's a shame that we've failed to build a temple on one of the most holy sites for Hindus," said Sharad Sharma, spokesman for the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), or the World Hindu Council, which has close ties with the BJP.

Hindus are getting impatient and the time has come to build a grand temple for Lord Ram, Sharma said.
<img alt="Police on patrol in Ayodhya during the Dharam Sabha. " data-caption="&lt;em&gt;Police on&amp;nbsp;patrol during the Dharam Sabha&lt;/em&gt;.&amp;nbsp;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12b55183-55c1-4b68-99cb-175a7d51ff71" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2864%29.jpg" />
The group gathering on Sunday will urge the government to introduce a legislation to pave the way for a temple, said Bablu Khan, an elected BJP council member in Ayodhya.

Both Hindu and Muslim groups have petitioned the Supreme Court to help resolve the issue. The top court has sought more time to give its verdict.

Sharma said the delay has disappointed India's majority Hindu community which can not wait endlessly for a verdict.

Both the BJP and VHP and their parent movement, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, have asked the government to issue an executive order to build a temple and bypass the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The heavily fortified site, which looks like a small garrison town, is under the control of the Supreme Court.

Sunday's congregation in Ayodhya would be followed up with bigger gatherings in New Delhi, India's capital, said Sharma.

The build-up of Hindu religious leaders and right wing political activists has also raised questions about the safety of Muslims who live in Ayodhya and other nearby areas.

Zafaryab Jilani, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said it's incumbent upon the state administration to ensure the safety of the community.

The administration is geared up to protect every single individual in the town, said Anil Pathak, district chief of Faizabad, where the Ayodhya town is located.

Amid heavy security, tens of thousands of monks and activists from Hindu nationalist groups began converging on the town of Ayodhya on Sunday to demand the construction of a temple on a disputed religious site.

Amid heavy security, tens of thousands of monks and activists from Hindu nationalist groups began converging on the town of Ayodhya on Sunday to demand the construction of a temple on a disputed religious site. Over 200,000 people are expected near the site where a Hindu mob in 1992 pulled down a 16th-century mosque, sparking deadly religious riots that killed some 2,000 people in one of India's worst communal violence since the partition in 1947. More than 900 extra police and a large number of paramilitary, including elite commandos, have been stationed at Ayodhya, said Vivek Tripathi, spokesman for the Uttar Pradesh police. "We're monitoring the entire town by CCTV and drone cameras," Tripathi said. In the run-up to a general election due by May 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and many Hindu outfits affiliated with the BJP have ratcheted up their demand for a new temple at the disputed site which most Hindus believe was the birthplace of warrior-God Lord Ram. Hindu groups point to evidence there was a temple before a mosque was built by a Muslim ruler in 1528. "The mosque was a slight on Hindus and it's a shame that we've failed to build a temple on one of the most holy sites for Hindus," said Sharad Sharma, spokesman for the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), or the World Hindu Council, which has close ties with the BJP. Hindus are getting impatient and the time has come to build a grand temple for Lord Ram, Sharma said. The group gathering on Sunday will urge the government to introduce a legislation to pave the way for a temple, said Bablu Khan, an elected BJP council member in Ayodhya. Both Hindu and Muslim groups have petitioned the Supreme Court to help resolve the issue. The top court has sought more time to give its verdict. Sharma said the delay has disappointed India's majority Hindu community which can not wait endlessly for a verdict. Both the BJP and VHP and their parent movement, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, have asked the government to issue an executive order to build a temple and bypass the Supreme Court. The heavily fortified site, which looks like a small garrison town, is under the control of the Supreme Court. Sunday's congregation in Ayodhya would be followed up with bigger gatherings in New Delhi, India's capital, said Sharma. The build-up of Hindu religious leaders and right wing political activists has also raised questions about the safety of Muslims who live in Ayodhya and other nearby areas. Zafaryab Jilani, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said it's incumbent upon the state administration to ensure the safety of the community. The administration is geared up to protect every single individual in the town, said Anil Pathak, district chief of Faizabad, where the Ayodhya town is located.

Ayodhya tense as thousands gather for VHP's Ram temple push

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control.

Talking to reporters, Yadav said: "The BJP does not believe in either the Supreme Court or the Constitution. The BJP can go to any extent. The kind of environment there is in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court should take notice of it and bring Army, if necessary."

The statement comes ahead of a mass gathering by organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and some Hindu activists and saints in Ayodhya over the weekend to build up pressure on the central government for a Ram temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque.

The mega show will coincide with a two-day visit of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya.

His statement comes following the increased demand for an early court decision on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Certain sections are also pushing for an ordinance to hasten the construction process.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid.

Even BJP MLA Surendra Singh reportedly stirred up a controversy when he warned that 1992 could be repeated in Ayodhya, if required, during a "Dharam Sabha" to be held November 25.

A big push for the temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram temple construction.

On October 29, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019 to fix the next hearing date in the matter, challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010.

The Allahabad High Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya - one for each of the parties the Nirmohi Akhara, the Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla.

It is believed that the Babri Masjid which was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528 was allegedly demolished by Hindu activists on December 6, 1992, who claimed that the mosque was built after destructing the Ram Temple to the ground.&nbsp;

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control.

In a ground-breaking statement, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday urged the Supreme Court to take note of the situation in Ayodhya and call the Army, if needed, to keep it under control. Talking to reporters, Yadav said: "The BJP does not believe in either the Supreme Court or the Constitution. The BJP can go to any extent. The kind of environment there is in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court should take notice of it and bring Army, if necessary." The statement comes ahead of a mass gathering by organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and some Hindu activists and saints in Ayodhya over the weekend to build up pressure on the central government for a Ram temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque. The mega show will coincide with a two-day visit of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya. His statement comes following the increased demand for an early court decision on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Certain sections are also pushing for an ordinance to hasten the construction process. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid. Even BJP MLA Surendra Singh reportedly stirred up a controversy when he warned that 1992 could be repeated in Ayodhya, if required, during a "Dharam Sabha" to be held November 25. A big push for the temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram temple construction. On October 29, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019 to fix the next hearing date in the matter, challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010. The Allahabad High Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya - one for each of the parties the Nirmohi Akhara, the Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla. It is believed that the Babri Masjid which was constructed by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528 was allegedly demolished by Hindu activists on December 6, 1992, who claimed that the mosque was built after destructing the Ram Temple to the ground.

Supreme Court should send Army to Ayodhya if necessary: Akhilesh Yadav

In what could stir up a possible controversy, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut on Friday implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid.

Raut told ANI, "It took only around 17 minutes for us - the Ram bhakts - to destroy the Babri Masjid. So, how long will it take to bring an ordinance? From Rashtrapati Bhawan to Uttar Pradesh`s Vidhan Sabha, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that is in power. In Rajya Sabha also there are many members who will support Ram Mandir from across party lines. Whoever opposes its construction will not be able to survive in peace in the country."

A big push for Temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram Temple construction.

On October 29, the Supreme Court had adjourned the title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter. The top court adjourned the matter which challenged the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010.

The Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts - one for each of the parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid which was built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was razed to the ground allegedly by Hindu activists who claimed that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there.

In what could stir up a possible controversy, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut on Friday implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid.

In what could stir up a possible controversy, Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut on Friday implied that it would not take long to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya when it took only 17 minutes for the Ram bhakts (devotees) to demolish Babri Masjid. Raut told ANI, "It took only around 17 minutes for us - the Ram bhakts - to destroy the Babri Masjid. So, how long will it take to bring an ordinance? From Rashtrapati Bhawan to Uttar Pradesh`s Vidhan Sabha, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that is in power. In Rajya Sabha also there are many members who will support Ram Mandir from across party lines. Whoever opposes its construction will not be able to survive in peace in the country." A big push for Temple construction came on Tuesday when a litigant Mohammad Iqbal Ansari, in the Babri Masjid case, said that he does not have any objection to an ordinance for Ram Temple construction. On October 29, the Supreme Court had adjourned the title suit till January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter. The top court adjourned the matter which challenged the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010. The Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested a division of the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts - one for each of the parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid which was built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was razed to the ground allegedly by Hindu activists who claimed that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram Temple that originally stood there.

It took us only 17 mins to demolish Babri Masjid: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan.

Thackeray said that during his visit to Ayodhya on November 25, he would "seek an answer" as to how many more elections will people be fooled with the slogan.

The Sena chief collected soil from Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune district, where Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born.&nbsp; 
He told reporters that he will carry the soil to Ayodhya during his visit on Sunday.

Thackeray had announced during the Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally in Mumbai that he will visit Ayodhya on 25 November and "question" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of the construction of the Ram temple.

"The soil where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born carries with its sentiments of all Hindus and collecting these sentiments will speed up the process of the construction of Ram temple," he said.

"The issue of Ram temple is raked up before every election. I will seek an answer as to for how many more elections will the people be fooled with the slogan Mandir wahi banayenge," he said.

The slogan is used by Hindutva groups, who aim to build a Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Asked if permissions were granted for his public rally in Ayodhya, Thackeray said his original programme includes visit to the site to seek Lord Ram's blessings, as announced in the rally.

"Seers there had expressed their desire that I should visit the site, so I will take their blessings and also take part in the evening aarti on the banks of the Sarayu river," he said.

In a bid to intensify his party's campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray has given a new slogan-- 'Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar' (first the temple, then the government).

A Sena functionary said a special train has been booked to ferry Shiv Sena members to Ayodhya for Thackeray's visit.

Women party workers and Yuva Sena cadres have been asked not to come to Ayodhya for want of accommodation, he said.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Ram temple issue is raked up before every election and wondered for how long will people be 'fooled' with the 'mandir wahi banayenge' slogan. Thackeray said that during his visit to Ayodhya on November 25, he would "seek an answer" as to how many more elections will people be fooled with the slogan. The Sena chief collected soil from Shivneri fort in Junnar tehsil of Pune district, where Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. He told reporters that he will carry the soil to Ayodhya during his visit on Sunday. Thackeray had announced during the Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally in Mumbai that he will visit Ayodhya on 25 November and "question" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of the construction of the Ram temple. "The soil where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born carries with its sentiments of all Hindus and collecting these sentiments will speed up the process of the construction of Ram temple," he said. "The issue of Ram temple is raked up before every election. I will seek an answer as to for how many more elections will the people be fooled with the slogan Mandir wahi banayenge," he said. The slogan is used by Hindutva groups, who aim to build a Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Asked if permissions were granted for his public rally in Ayodhya, Thackeray said his original programme includes visit to the site to seek Lord Ram's blessings, as announced in the rally. "Seers there had expressed their desire that I should visit the site, so I will take their blessings and also take part in the evening aarti on the banks of the Sarayu river," he said. In a bid to intensify his party's campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray has given a new slogan-- 'Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar' (first the temple, then the government). A Sena functionary said a special train has been booked to ferry Shiv Sena members to Ayodhya for Thackeray's visit. Women party workers and Yuva Sena cadres have been asked not to come to Ayodhya for want of accommodation, he said.

Ram temple issue raked up before every election: Thackeray

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &amp;once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai <a href="https://t.co/XFlMCTDMUU">pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU</a>
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Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi.&nbsp;

He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government).&nbsp;

The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month.

The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla?

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday ensured that Ram Mandir would be built, will also throw a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the crowd he said: "Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account, is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built. This issue comes up only during the elections and once elections are over it is forgotten," as quoted by news agency ANI. Just like Rs 15 lakh in everyone’s account,is Ram Mandir also a jumla? When we're taking up this issue, we aim to ensure that Ram Mandir is actually built.This issue comes up only during the elections &once elections are over it is forgotten: Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/XFlMCTDMUU — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × Thackeray is set to visit Ayodhya on November 24 and 25 to pay obeisance to the Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi. He also came up with a new slogan "pehle mandir, fir sarkaar" (First temple, then government). The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party's annual Dussehra rally last month. The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party's "failure" to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power.

'Is Ram Mandir also a jumla?' asks Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Sunday sought to intensify the party’s campaign for Ram temple in Ayodhya by giving a new slogan which called for the construction of temple before government.&nbsp;

Thackeray held a meeting with senior party leaders to review preparations for his visit to Ayodhya on November 24 and 25. Sena leaders from outside Maharashtra too attended the meeting.

“Har Hindu ki yahi pukar, pehle mandir fir sarkar (Every Hindu has one demand, the temple first and then government),” he said at a press conference which was held later. The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party’s annual Dussehra rally last month.

The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party’s “failure” to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power. Thackeray also asked party workers to conduct a ‘maha aarati’ (grand puja) on November 24 all over the state as well as in other parts of the country where the Sena has presence. He will be conducting ‘Sarayu puja’ on November 24 in Ayodhya. “All Sena workers will perform puja on the same day and same time in their respective areas,” said Thackeray.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Sunday sought to intensify the party’s campaign for Ram temple in Ayodhya by giving a new slogan which called for the construction of temple before government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Sunday sought to intensify the party’s campaign for Ram temple in Ayodhya by giving a new slogan which called for the construction of temple before government. Thackeray held a meeting with senior party leaders to review preparations for his visit to Ayodhya on November 24 and 25. Sena leaders from outside Maharashtra too attended the meeting. “Har Hindu ki yahi pukar, pehle mandir fir sarkar (Every Hindu has one demand, the temple first and then government),” he said at a press conference which was held later. The Shiv Sena, which is the part of the BJP-led governments in both Maharashtra and the Centre, has been aggressively pushing for the construction of the temple since the party’s annual Dussehra rally last month. The party has often taunted its ally BJP over the saffron party’s “failure” to construct the temple in the last four years despite coming to power. Thackeray also asked party workers to conduct a ‘maha aarati’ (grand puja) on November 24 all over the state as well as in other parts of the country where the Sena has presence. He will be conducting ‘Sarayu puja’ on November 24 in Ayodhya. “All Sena workers will perform puja on the same day and same time in their respective areas,” said Thackeray.

Ram Temple in Ayodhya before government: Shiv Sena’s new slogan ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built.

He also said&nbsp;installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple.

It will now be impossible to install a single stone bearing the name of Mughal emperor Babur, the BJP leader said, days after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) declared it will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple at Ayodhya if needed.

"I have clearly said time and again on the issue of construction of a temple in Ayodhya that whenever there is a verdict on Ayodhya, it is the prerogative of the Supreme Court. But a grand temple for Ram Lalla will be built," Maurya told PTI.

"Now, it is simply impossible to install even a single stone bearing the name of Babur there," he added.

Stating that neither the petitioner nor the government can do anything in a matter pending before the court,&nbsp;Maurya said the installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple.

He was referring to Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay statement last week that there is a proposal to install a 151-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river in the town.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to make an announcement on this on the occasion of "Dev Deepawali", the mayor said.

In Maurya's view, the matter should be seen as one linked to the development of Ayodhya.

He said building Lord Ram's statue and the Ram Temple movement are two different issues.

"We feel Ayodhya should be developed, and every devotee of Lord Ram also feels the same. In the past 15 years, there has been no development of Ayodhya. After our government was formed, the development of Ayodhya started. Ayodhya will be developed keeping in mind the devotion and faith which Ayodhya Naath (Lord Ram) commands," he said.

Hitting out at previous governments, the deputy chief minister said the government has worked to revive things related to the life of Lord Ram such as the Saryu 'aarti' and the Deepotsav, which had led to a continuous flow of people from different parts of India and the world into the town.

In a broadside against Rahul Gandhi, he said people of the country are questioning the 'janeudhari'&nbsp;(sacred Brahmanical thread) national president of the Congress and are seeking answers.

"On the one hand, he visits various temples only to mislead the people and, on the other, senior leaders of his party urge the Supreme Court not to hear the case until 2019. He must explain his intention behind this," Maurya said.

&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday said a verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute may be a prerogative of the Supreme Court but a grand temple for Lord Ram will be built. He also said installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple. It will now be impossible to install a single stone bearing the name of Mughal emperor Babur, the BJP leader said, days after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) declared it will not hesitate to launch an agitation for Ram temple at Ayodhya if needed. "I have clearly said time and again on the issue of construction of a temple in Ayodhya that whenever there is a verdict on Ayodhya, it is the prerogative of the Supreme Court. But a grand temple for Ram Lalla will be built," Maurya told PTI. "Now, it is simply impossible to install even a single stone bearing the name of Babur there," he added. Stating that neither the petitioner nor the government can do anything in a matter pending before the court, Maurya said the installation of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya should not be linked to construction of a Ram temple. He was referring to Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay statement last week that there is a proposal to install a 151-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river in the town. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to make an announcement on this on the occasion of "Dev Deepawali", the mayor said. In Maurya's view, the matter should be seen as one linked to the development of Ayodhya. He said building Lord Ram's statue and the Ram Temple movement are two different issues. "We feel Ayodhya should be developed, and every devotee of Lord Ram also feels the same. In the past 15 years, there has been no development of Ayodhya. After our government was formed, the development of Ayodhya started. Ayodhya will be developed keeping in mind the devotion and faith which Ayodhya Naath (Lord Ram) commands," he said. Hitting out at previous governments, the deputy chief minister said the government has worked to revive things related to the life of Lord Ram such as the Saryu 'aarti' and the Deepotsav, which had led to a continuous flow of people from different parts of India and the world into the town. In a broadside against Rahul Gandhi, he said people of the country are questioning the 'janeudhari' (sacred Brahmanical thread) national president of the Congress and are seeking answers. "On the one hand, he visits various temples only to mislead the people and, on the other, senior leaders of his party urge the Supreme Court not to hear the case until 2019. He must explain his intention behind this," Maurya said.

Lord Ram's statue should not be linked with Ram temple: Keshav Maurya

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments.

Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted.

Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret.

There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections.

Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”.

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments. Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted. Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret. There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections. Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.

BJP accuses P Chidambaram of mocking Ram temple initiative, Statue of Unity

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Saturday that "work (on the Ram temple) will start very soon".

"Light a diya for Lord Ram this time, work there will start very soon. We have to take this up after Diwali," ANI quoted Adityanath as saying.&nbsp;

Adityanath was speaking at an election rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The state will go&nbsp;to the polls on December 7.&nbsp;

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Light a diya for Lord Ram this time, work there will start very soon. We have to take this up after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a>: CM Yogi Adityanath in Rajasthan's Bikaner (3.11.18) <a href="https://t.co/IL8cuosBaW">pic.twitter.com/IL8cuosBaW</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1058927148436721664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ANI also quoted Union Minister Uma Bharti as saying "the construction of Ram temple is my dream and whatever initiative is required, from my end I am ready for it.&nbsp;

"I have actively participated in Ram Janambhoomi Andolan and hearing of a case is also underway in connection with it. And I am proud of it," Bharti said.&nbsp;

"And I am proud of it," she added.&nbsp;

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I have actively participated in Ram Janambhoomi Andolan &amp; hearing of a case is also underway in connection with it. And I am proud of it. The construction of Ram Temple is my dream and whatever initiative is required from my end I am ready for it: Union Minister Uma Bharti (3.11) <a href="https://t.co/os2YsSYctF">pic.twitter.com/os2YsSYctF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1058897260803747840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court recently deferred, to January, the Uttar Pradesh government's plea that it urgently hear appeals against the Allahabad High Court order on the Babri masjid-Ram mandir land dispute. The 2010 Allahabad High Court order that divided the&nbsp;disputed land into three parts — one for Ram Lalla, one for the Nirmohi Akhara, and one for the original Muslim litigant

The RSS meanwhile recently warned that Hindus may once again begin a 1992-like mass agitation for a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

And earlier, BJP MP and RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha had said they would soon introduce an ordinance in Parliament seeking construction of the Ram Temple.

"Many other issues in the country have been resolved by court proceedings at night. The court was set up at night for a terrorist. When the court has time for terrorists, then why not Lord Rama, " Giriraj Singh said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Saturday that "work (on the Ram temple) will start very soon". "Light a diya for Lord Ram this time, work there will start very soon.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Saturday that "work (on the Ram temple) will start very soon". "Light a diya for Lord Ram this time, work there will start very soon. We have to take this up after Diwali," ANI quoted Adityanath as saying. Adityanath was speaking at an election rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The state will go to the polls on December 7. Light a diya for Lord Ram this time, work there will start very soon. We have to take this up after #Diwali: CM Yogi Adityanath in Rajasthan's Bikaner (3.11.18) pic.twitter.com/IL8cuosBaW — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 4, 2018 × ANI also quoted Union Minister Uma Bharti as saying "the construction of Ram temple is my dream and whatever initiative is required, from my end I am ready for it. "I have actively participated in Ram Janambhoomi Andolan and hearing of a case is also underway in connection with it. And I am proud of it," Bharti said. "And I am proud of it," she added. I have actively participated in Ram Janambhoomi Andolan & hearing of a case is also underway in connection with it. And I am proud of it. The construction of Ram Temple is my dream and whatever initiative is required from my end I am ready for it: Union Minister Uma Bharti (3.11) pic.twitter.com/os2YsSYctF — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2018 × The Supreme Court recently deferred, to January, the Uttar Pradesh government's plea that it urgently hear appeals against the Allahabad High Court order on the Babri masjid-Ram mandir land dispute. The 2010 Allahabad High Court order that divided the disputed land into three parts — one for Ram Lalla, one for the Nirmohi Akhara, and one for the original Muslim litigant The RSS meanwhile recently warned that Hindus may once again begin a 1992-like mass agitation for a Ram temple in Ayodhya. And earlier, BJP MP and RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha had said they would soon introduce an ordinance in Parliament seeking construction of the Ram Temple. "Many other issues in the country have been resolved by court proceedings at night. The court was set up at night for a terrorist. When the court has time for terrorists, then why not Lord Rama, " Giriraj Singh said.

Light a diya for Lord Ram... work there will start soon: Adityanath on Ram temple

The RSS raised the pitch for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a &nbsp;veiled threat, senior RSS functionary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that a 1992-like movement can also take place.

It was the movement in the 1990s and LK Advani's Rath Yatra which subsequently led to pulling down of the Babri Masjid by the mob. Bhaiyyaji Joshi made these statements after a three-day brainstorming session. 
&nbsp; 
Joshi in the press conference also said that the RSS expected a sweet Diwali surprise but was disappointed by the decision of the Supreme Court which pushed the nearing to 2019.&nbsp;

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Avashyakta padi to karenge: Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS when asked 'Jis tarah se 1992 mein aandolan kiya gaya tha us tarike se aadnolan kiya jaagea iss mudde par?' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamMandir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamMandir</a> <a href="https://t.co/x0YkEC7VIQ">pic.twitter.com/x0YkEC7VIQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1058263921193189377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The RSS says that Hindu sentiments must be respected. Joshi also said that the court must take sentiments of the majority community into account. 
&nbsp; 
The temple issue is currently in the Supreme Court. The courts have shown no hurry to expedite the matter whereas the BJP and the RSS want the temple to be built as soon as possible.

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Ram sab ke hriday mein rehte hain par wo prakat hote hain mandiron ke dwara. Hum chahte hain ki mandir bane. Kaam mein kuch baadhaein awashya hain aur hum apeksha kar rahe hain ki nyalalya Hindu bhavnaon ko samajh ke nirnay dega: Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS <a href="https://t.co/LU37D4pILi">pic.twitter.com/LU37D4pILi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1058258454475825153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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What is new is that the Ram temple issue by 2004 had become redundant. It was not an issue in 2004, 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP and the RSS have now revived the issue as it feels that the 2019 elections will be fought on Hindu consolidation rather than over good governance plank.&nbsp;

Though the RSS also added that they are hopeful of a favourable order from the Supreme Court, the interesting part is that the apex court is treating that issue as a land dispute issue.

The RSS raised the pitch for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a veiled threat, senior RSS functionary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that a 1992-like movement can also take place.

The RSS raised the pitch for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a veiled threat, senior RSS functionary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that a 1992-like movement can also take place. It was the movement in the 1990s and LK Advani's Rath Yatra which subsequently led to pulling down of the Babri Masjid by the mob. Bhaiyyaji Joshi made these statements after a three-day brainstorming session. Joshi in the press conference also said that the RSS expected a sweet Diwali surprise but was disappointed by the decision of the Supreme Court which pushed the nearing to 2019. Avashyakta padi to karenge: Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS when asked 'Jis tarah se 1992 mein aandolan kiya gaya tha us tarike se aadnolan kiya jaagea iss mudde par?' #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/x0YkEC7VIQ — ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2018 × The RSS says that Hindu sentiments must be respected. Joshi also said that the court must take sentiments of the majority community into account. The temple issue is currently in the Supreme Court. The courts have shown no hurry to expedite the matter whereas the BJP and the RSS want the temple to be built as soon as possible. Ram sab ke hriday mein rehte hain par wo prakat hote hain mandiron ke dwara. Hum chahte hain ki mandir bane. Kaam mein kuch baadhaein awashya hain aur hum apeksha kar rahe hain ki nyalalya Hindu bhavnaon ko samajh ke nirnay dega: Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS pic.twitter.com/LU37D4pILi — ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2018 × What is new is that the Ram temple issue by 2004 had become redundant. It was not an issue in 2004, 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP and the RSS have now revived the issue as it feels that the 2019 elections will be fought on Hindu consolidation rather than over good governance plank. Though the RSS also added that they are hopeful of a favourable order from the Supreme Court, the interesting part is that the apex court is treating that issue as a land dispute issue.

RSS' Bhaiyyaji Joshi hints at second Ram temple campaign

BJP MP Rakesh Sinha&nbsp;on Thursday said he will bring a private member’s bill seeking construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and asked whether opposition leaders including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will support it.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, Sinha, a Rajya Sabha MP, asked if leaders such as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, BSP supremo Mayawati and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, who kept on asking the BJP and RSS about the construction of temple, will support his bill.

“Will Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and Lalu Prasad Yadav support private member bill on Ayodhya? They frequently ask the date (of Ram temple construction) from RSS and BJP, now onus is on them to answer,” he tweeted.&nbsp;

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Will write Preface (introduction)of my private member bill on Ram temple in Ayodhya.request तारीख़ पूछने वालों को 2send me feedback.if <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/laluprasadrjd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@laluprasadrjd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yadavakhilesh</a> Mayawati ji <a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ncbn</a> ask me to visit their residences I would go to know their valuable opinion.
— Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) <a href="https://twitter.com/RakeshSinha01/status/1057936381757014017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Singh said he is asking a clear-cut question as now is the time to separate truth from lies. He said the Ram temple issue is not a priority for the Supreme Court and questioned how many days the apex court took to give verdict on Article 377, Jallikattu and Sabarimala.

“But Ram temple is a top priority of Hindu society,” he said. Singh’s remarks came days after the apex court postponed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case to first week of January next year when an appropriate bench will decide the schedule of hearing.

Following the court’s order, the chorus for an ordinance on construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya had grown among saffron outfits including the VHP and the RSS. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said that the government should acquire the land and hand it over for the construction of Ram temple.&nbsp;

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said that Hindus cannot wait eternally for a court judgement on the Ayodhya land dispute case and asked the government to bring in a law for building a Ram temple.

BJP MP Rakesh Sinha on Thursday said he will bring a private member’s bill seeking construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and asked whether opposition leaders including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will support it.

BJP MP Rakesh Sinha on Thursday said he will bring a private member’s bill seeking construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and asked whether opposition leaders including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will support it. In a series of tweets, Sinha, a Rajya Sabha MP, asked if leaders such as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, BSP supremo Mayawati and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, who kept on asking the BJP and RSS about the construction of temple, will support his bill. “Will Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and Lalu Prasad Yadav support private member bill on Ayodhya? They frequently ask the date (of Ram temple construction) from RSS and BJP, now onus is on them to answer,” he tweeted. Will write Preface (introduction)of my private member bill on Ram temple in Ayodhya.request तारीख़ पूछने वालों को 2send me feedback.if @RahulGandhi @laluprasadrjd @yadavakhilesh Mayawati ji @ncbn ask me to visit their residences I would go to know their valuable opinion. — Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) November 1, 2018 × Singh said he is asking a clear-cut question as now is the time to separate truth from lies. He said the Ram temple issue is not a priority for the Supreme Court and questioned how many days the apex court took to give verdict on Article 377, Jallikattu and Sabarimala. “But Ram temple is a top priority of Hindu society,” he said. Singh’s remarks came days after the apex court postponed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case to first week of January next year when an appropriate bench will decide the schedule of hearing. Following the court’s order, the chorus for an ordinance on construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya had grown among saffron outfits including the VHP and the RSS. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said that the government should acquire the land and hand it over for the construction of Ram temple. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said that Hindus cannot wait eternally for a court judgement on the Ayodhya land dispute case and asked the government to bring in a law for building a Ram temple.

BJP MP Rakesh Sinha says he will bring private member’s bill for Ram temple

Joining the chorus for a Ram temple, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav says she is in favour of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and has full faith in the judiciary.

Aparna Yadav, who contested the 2017 assembly polls as an SP candidate and lost, is backing 'chacha' (uncle) Shivpal Singh's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL).

"A Ram temple should be built," Aparna said Wednesday during a visit to the Deva Sharif Dargah in Barabanki. 
"I have full faith in process of the respected court," she added.

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case and said an appropriate bench will decide in January when to hear the politically sensitive case.&nbsp;

According to the Ramayana, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Ram and a temple should be built there, Aparna said.&nbsp;

Asked if she was with the BJP, she said, "I am not with the BJP, but with lord Ram."

Aparna, who is married to Mulayam Singh's son Prateek, said she would be contesting the 2019 elections from the PSPL but her father-in-law's blessings are with her.&nbsp;

Speaking on the SC's decision to move the Ayodhya hearing to January, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said the apex court should fast track the proceedings in the case as "justice delayed can sometimes be called justice denied".

Joining the chorus for a Ram temple, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav says she is in favour of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and has full faith in the judiciary.

Joining the chorus for a Ram temple, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav says she is in favour of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and has full faith in the judiciary. Aparna Yadav, who contested the 2017 assembly polls as an SP candidate and lost, is backing 'chacha' (uncle) Shivpal Singh's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL). "A Ram temple should be built," Aparna said Wednesday during a visit to the Deva Sharif Dargah in Barabanki. "I have full faith in process of the respected court," she added. The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case and said an appropriate bench will decide in January when to hear the politically sensitive case. According to the Ramayana, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Ram and a temple should be built there, Aparna said. Asked if she was with the BJP, she said, "I am not with the BJP, but with lord Ram." Aparna, who is married to Mulayam Singh's son Prateek, said she would be contesting the 2019 elections from the PSPL but her father-in-law's blessings are with her. Speaking on the SC's decision to move the Ayodhya hearing to January, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said the apex court should fast track the proceedings in the case as "justice delayed can sometimes be called justice denied".

Mulayam's daughter-in-law Aparna backs Ram temple

The RSS said Monday that the Supreme Court should make an early decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi land dispute in Ayodhya and the Union government should bring a legislation to remove hurdles, if any, in the way of the construction of a Ram temple at the site.&nbsp;

RSS chief spokesperson Arun Kumar said the Allahabad High Court in its verdict has accepted that the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and a temple existed there.

The high court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, had said the 2.77-acre land be divided equally among three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.&nbsp;

“The Sangh believes a grand Ram temple should be constructed soon at the birthplace of Lord Ram. And land should be allotted at the birthplace for temple construction. With the construction of the temple, an atmosphere of unity and harmony will be created.

“With this in view, the Supreme Court should make an early decision and if there are any difficulties, the government should make a law to remove all hurdles in the way of giving land for the temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site,” Kumar said in a statement. Kumar said the high court has accepted that the said site is the birthplace of Lord Ram. “Ever since this Andolan was started by saints, we have supported it and will continue to support them in their decisions in future,” he said.

The Supreme Court on Monday fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for the first week of January before an “appropriate bench”, which will decide the schedule of hearing. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said the future course of hearing in January next year on the appeals filed against the high court verdict will be decided by that bench.

The RSS said Monday that the Supreme Court should make an early decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi land dispute in Ayodhya and the Union government should bring a legislation to remove hurdles, if any, in the way of the construction of a Ram temple at the site.

The RSS said Monday that the Supreme Court should make an early decision on the Ram Janmabhoomi land dispute in Ayodhya and the Union government should bring a legislation to remove hurdles, if any, in the way of the construction of a Ram temple at the site. RSS chief spokesperson Arun Kumar said the Allahabad High Court in its verdict has accepted that the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and a temple existed there. The high court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, had said the 2.77-acre land be divided equally among three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. “The Sangh believes a grand Ram temple should be constructed soon at the birthplace of Lord Ram. And land should be allotted at the birthplace for temple construction. With the construction of the temple, an atmosphere of unity and harmony will be created. “With this in view, the Supreme Court should make an early decision and if there are any difficulties, the government should make a law to remove all hurdles in the way of giving land for the temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site,” Kumar said in a statement. Kumar said the high court has accepted that the said site is the birthplace of Lord Ram. “Ever since this Andolan was started by saints, we have supported it and will continue to support them in their decisions in future,” he said. The Supreme Court on Monday fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for the first week of January before an “appropriate bench”, which will decide the schedule of hearing. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, said the future course of hearing in January next year on the appeals filed against the high court verdict will be decided by that bench.

Ram temple: SC should decide early, govt should bring law to remove hurdles, says RSS

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet".

He also assured the people that Hindutva can never die until they were alive.

"We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive", he added.&nbsp;

Thackeray also said that he would visit Ayodhya on November 25 and question Modi over the delay in the construction of the temple.

"I will go to Ayodhya on November 25. I will ask questions to the prime minister (over alleged delay in constructing the temple)...We are not enemies of the prime minister, but we don't want to play with the emotions of the people," he said.&nbsp;

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Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray addressing party workers' in Mumbai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a> <a href="https://t.co/G43OjwUdoF">pic.twitter.com/G43OjwUdoF</a>
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He also sought answers from&nbsp;PM Modi over his failure to visit Ayodhya in the past four and half years, after becoming the prime minister.

Thackeray asked the ruling BJP to declare its promise to construct the Ram temple as a "jumla" (gimmick) if it is not going to implement the same.

He also hit out at the BJP-led government over several issues, including price rise, alleged delay in implementing the promise of abrogating Article 370 and for not acting tough against Pakistan.

Speaking on the recent #MeToo movement in the country, Thackeray said, "Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse".

In the party convention held earlier this year, the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra and the oldest member of the NDA, had declared to go solo in future polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet".

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed his disappointment over the delay in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Addressing party workers' in Mumbai Thackeray said, "We are saddened that Ram Mandir has not been constructed yet". He also assured the people that Hindutva can never die until they were alive. "We warn everyone who thinks that Hindutva has died. We are still alive", he added. Thackeray also said that he would visit Ayodhya on November 25 and question Modi over the delay in the construction of the temple. "I will go to Ayodhya on November 25. I will ask questions to the prime minister (over alleged delay in constructing the temple)...We are not enemies of the prime minister, but we don't want to play with the emotions of the people," he said. Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray addressing party workers' in Mumbai #Metoo pic.twitter.com/G43OjwUdoF — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2018 × He also sought answers from PM Modi over his failure to visit Ayodhya in the past four and half years, after becoming the prime minister. Thackeray asked the ruling BJP to declare its promise to construct the Ram temple as a "jumla" (gimmick) if it is not going to implement the same. He also hit out at the BJP-led government over several issues, including price rise, alleged delay in implementing the promise of abrogating Article 370 and for not acting tough against Pakistan. Speaking on the recent #MeToo movement in the country, Thackeray said, "Our party stands with all the women who spoke out against sexual harassment and abuse". In the party convention held earlier this year, the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra and the oldest member of the NDA, had declared to go solo in future polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Will visit Ayodhya on November 25, question prime minister over delay in temple construction: Uddhav Thackeray

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday.

"As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram.

"For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said.

The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi.

"Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states.

He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments.

"These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said.

Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice.

"I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival &amp; gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party &amp; did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted.

"I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship."

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance".

"He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said.

Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan".

At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one."

"And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted.

The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu". Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday. "As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram. "For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said. The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states. He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments. "These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said. Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice. "I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival & gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party & did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted. "I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship." Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance". "He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said. Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan". At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one." "And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted. The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Good Hindus won't want temple by demolishing someone else's place of worship: Tharoor

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here.

Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said.

Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI.

He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added.

Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls.

Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena.

The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority.

"The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday.

Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there.

With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice.

Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so.

Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said.

"The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue. The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here. Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said. Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI. He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added. Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls. Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena. The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority. "The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday. Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there. With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice. Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. "We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so. Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said. "The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray to visit Ayodhya for Ram temple

The RSS on Sunday said building a consensus on the Ayodhya dispute was not going to be easy but stressed that a Ram Temple &mdash; &quot;and nothing else&quot; &mdash; would be constructed in the Uttar Pradesh town.

Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who was yesterday re-elected as the RSS General Secretary for the 4th term, stressed that the matter was sub judice and said building a consensus was not going to be easy. &nbsp;

The Sangh&#39;s general secretary is its executive head who looks after the day-to-day affairs of the organisation.

&quot;It is certain that the Ram Temple will be constructed at that place (Ayodhya) and nothing else can be built there, this is also decided, Joshi, told reporters here on the sidelines of the RSS&#39;s all-important Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting.

Confident of a favourable judgment from the Supreme Court on the matter, Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court&#39;s order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land.

Replying to a question on spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar&#39;s efforts at developing consensus between the different parties on the issue, Joshi said consensus building was not going to be easy.

We have always maintained that the temple should be constructed with the mutual agreement but our experience tells us that building a consensus on this issue is not easy, Joshi said.

Though the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader said he welcomed Ravi Shankar&#39;s efforts at negotiations, he pointed out that there were different groups in society with varied outlooks and to build a consensus among them would be difficult.

Joshi was also asked about a demand for a minority religion status for the Lingayat community in Karnataka.

&quot;We do not support that,&quot; he said.

The next hearing in the Ayodhya dispute, to determine ownership of the 2.77-acre Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi disputed land, is to come up before the Supreme Court on March 14.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and SA Najeeb is hearing the case.

(With inputs from PTI)

Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court's order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land

The RSS on Sunday said building a consensus on the Ayodhya dispute was not going to be easy but stressed that a Ram Temple — "and nothing else" — would be constructed in the Uttar Pradesh town. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who was yesterday re-elected as the RSS General Secretary for the 4th term, stressed that the matter was sub judice and said building a consensus was not going to be easy. The Sangh's general secretary is its executive head who looks after the day-to-day affairs of the organisation. "It is certain that the Ram Temple will be constructed at that place (Ayodhya) and nothing else can be built there, this is also decided, Joshi, told reporters here on the sidelines of the RSS's all-important Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting. Confident of a favourable judgment from the Supreme Court on the matter, Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court's order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land. Replying to a question on spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar's efforts at developing consensus between the different parties on the issue, Joshi said consensus building was not going to be easy. We have always maintained that the temple should be constructed with the mutual agreement but our experience tells us that building a consensus on this issue is not easy, Joshi said. Though the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader said he welcomed Ravi Shankar's efforts at negotiations, he pointed out that there were different groups in society with varied outlooks and to build a consensus among them would be difficult. Joshi was also asked about a demand for a minority religion status for the Lingayat community in Karnataka. "We do not support that," he said. The next hearing in the Ayodhya dispute, to determine ownership of the 2.77-acre Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi disputed land, is to come up before the Supreme Court on March 14. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and SA Najeeb is hearing the case. (With inputs from PTI)

Consensus on Ayodhya difficult, but temple will be built: RSS

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has been facing severe backlash for his recently made Syria remark clarified his stance saying that he did not threaten anyone but put out a word of caution with respect to the Ram Mandir verdict.&nbsp;

&quot;Woh dhamki thodi na hai, woh caution hai,&quot; noted the Art of Living founder who was previously reported saying that &quot;Yahan shanti rehne dijiye. Hamare desh ko Syria jaise nahi banana chahiye&quot;.&nbsp;

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Bareilly: Woh dhamki thodi na hai, woh caution hai: Sri Sri Ravishankar over his statement &#39;Yahan shanti rehne dijiye. Hamare desh ko Syria jaise nahi banana chahiye&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/2iTqSKR0MG">pic.twitter.com/2iTqSKR0MG</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970923169086365696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, the Art of Living founder, in an interview with a leading television channel, had said that any delay in resolving the Ram temple issue could result in a Syria-like situation in India.

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Main sapne mein bhi nahi soch sakta ki main kisi ko dhamki dun. Jo humne kaha ki humare desh mein aisi hinsa nahi honi chaiye jaise Middle East mein, isse humein darr lagta hai: Sri Sri Ravishankar in Bareilly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pe4vjfN51t">pic.twitter.com/Pe4vjfN51t</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970930651745660928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;If the Ram Mandir issue is not solved, we will have a Syria in India,&quot; Ravi Shankar said during the interview.&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s Syria remark was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792">slammed by various leaders</a>&nbsp;who called it &quot;provocative&quot;.

He has been involved in solving the disputed Ram Mandir and Ayodhya issue since the past one year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

On Monday, the Art of Living founder had said that any delay in resolving the Ram temple issue could result in a Syria-like situation in India

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has been facing severe backlash for his recently made Syria remark clarified his stance saying that he did not threaten anyone but put out a word of caution with respect to the Ram Mandir verdict. "Woh dhamki thodi na hai, woh caution hai," noted the Art of Living founder who was previously reported saying that "Yahan shanti rehne dijiye. Hamare desh ko Syria jaise nahi banana chahiye". Bareilly: Woh dhamki thodi na hai, woh caution hai: Sri Sri Ravishankar over his statement 'Yahan shanti rehne dijiye. Hamare desh ko Syria jaise nahi banana chahiye' #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/2iTqSKR0MG — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2018 × On Monday, the Art of Living founder, in an interview with a leading television channel, had said that any delay in resolving the Ram temple issue could result in a Syria-like situation in India. Main sapne mein bhi nahi soch sakta ki main kisi ko dhamki dun. Jo humne kaha ki humare desh mein aisi hinsa nahi honi chaiye jaise Middle East mein, isse humein darr lagta hai: Sri Sri Ravishankar in Bareilly #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/Pe4vjfN51t — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2018 × "If the Ram Mandir issue is not solved, we will have a Syria in India," Ravi Shankar said during the interview. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Syria remark was slammed by various leaders who called it "provocative". He has been involved in solving the disputed Ram Mandir and Ayodhya issue since the past one year. (With inputs from ANI)

'I didn't threaten but put out a word of caution,' Sri Sri Ravi Shankar clarifies on 'Syria' remark

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s Syria remark over Ram temple issue on Monday was slammed by the leaders from different political parties, calling it &quot;provocative&quot;.

&quot;Sri Sri Ravi Shankar should refrain from giving out such provocative statements,&quot; senior Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi told ANI.

Echoing the same, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majid Memon termed the Art of Living (AoL) founder&#39;s remarks sad.

&quot;I am sad to hear this comment from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. I did not expect him to give a statement that could increase violence,&quot; said Memon.

He further questioned the reason behind Ravi Shankar&#39;s intervention, &quot;I would also very respectfully like to ask that the intervention you are doing, where were you from the past 25 years? He is coming out and talking about the issue just when the time when the Supreme Court is about to announce its decision.&quot;

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit called the AOL&#39;s statement a &quot;good entertainment value&quot;.

On Monday, the Art of Living founder, in an interview with a leading television channel, had said that any delay in resolving the Ram temple issue could result in a Syria-like situation in India.

&quot;If the Ram Mandir issue is not solved, we will have a Syria in India,&quot; Ravi Shankar said during the interview.&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Syria remark over Ram temple issue on Monday was slammed by the leaders from different political parties, calling it "provocative". "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar should refrain from giving out such provocative statements," senior Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi told ANI. Echoing the same, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majid Memon termed the Art of Living (AoL) founder's remarks sad. "I am sad to hear this comment from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. I did not expect him to give a statement that could increase violence," said Memon. He further questioned the reason behind Ravi Shankar's intervention, "I would also very respectfully like to ask that the intervention you are doing, where were you from the past 25 years? He is coming out and talking about the issue just when the time when the Supreme Court is about to announce its decision." Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit called the AOL's statement a "good entertainment value". On Monday, the Art of Living founder, in an interview with a leading television channel, had said that any delay in resolving the Ram temple issue could result in a Syria-like situation in India. "If the Ram Mandir issue is not solved, we will have a Syria in India," Ravi Shankar said during the interview.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar faces backlash over Syria remark

Spiritual leader and &quot;Art of Living&quot; founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday spoke about the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Kolkata on Friday.

Ravi Shankar asked both Hindi and Muslims communities to come together saying, that he is speaking to many stakeholders and&nbsp; that &quot;both the communities should come together.&quot;

The leader further suggested that out of court settlement is the best way to solve the dispute.

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I am speaking to many stakeholders, both the communities should come together, out of court settlement is the best: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Ram Temple issue in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/T7TzWyvK1y">pic.twitter.com/T7TzWyvK1y</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941598471433285632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had said in November, &quot;I know some may not agree with this, but Muslim, by and large, are not opposing the Ram temple, the solution may sometimes seen impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible.&quot;

Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti rejected his offer to mediate in October. The Babri Action Committee has also asked the Art of Living founder&nbsp;to stay away from the Ayodhya dispute.

The case of Babri-Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi was last heard on December, 5.

The next and described by the court as final hearing of the case would take place on February 8, 2018.

 
&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ask communities to come together to resolve the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute

Spiritual leader and "Art of Living" founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday spoke about the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Kolkata on Friday. Ravi Shankar asked both Hindi and Muslims communities to come together saying, that he is speaking to many stakeholders and that "both the communities should come together." The leader further suggested that out of court settlement is the best way to solve the dispute. I am speaking to many stakeholders, both the communities should come together, out of court settlement is the best: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Ram Temple issue in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/T7TzWyvK1y — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had said in November, "I know some may not agree with this, but Muslim, by and large, are not opposing the Ram temple, the solution may sometimes seen impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible." Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti rejected his offer to mediate in October. The Babri Action Committee has also asked the Art of Living founder to stay away from the Ayodhya dispute. The case of Babri-Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi was last heard on December, 5. The next and described by the court as final hearing of the case would take place on February 8, 2018.

Out of court settlement best way to solve Ayodhya dispute: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero.

There he was, wrapped in bright and shiny clothes, adorned with jewellery, sitting pretty inside the fireproof tarpaulin tent which has been his home for the past 25 years now. There he was, the prince of Ayodhya, the darling of devotess, the man known as the &ldquo;maryada purushottama&rdquo;. There he was, a God who now, almost helplessly, lies imprisoned in a makeshift temple in his own birthplace.

Imprisoned. That&#39;s the word that stayed with me from the moment I passed through the first frisking point, walked through a narrow, serpentine passageway protected by walls and a roof made of wire mesh (made so narrow on purpose so that it can only accommodate a single queue of visitors), encountering two more frisking points on the way, to the point when I finally could get a glimpse of Ram Lalla, or Baby Ram.

The sight of gun-wielding personnel from India&#39;s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) just outside the tent housing Baby Ram&#39;s idol inside that tent was surreal, to put it mildly. As if the God himself was under threat and required protection.

Reaching him is not easy. The first security barricade is almost a kilometer away from the 2.7 acre site where Ram Lalla or Baby Ram now resides. Policemen from Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Provincial Armed Constabulary manning this barricade are not too finicky. All they are interested is in ensuring that no four-wheeler passes through this barricade. The second barricade comes after 500 meters and is located just next to the palace of Dashrath - Lord Ram&#39;s father. Located at what is called Bada Sthan (Big Place) this barricade is just 500 hundred meters away from the first frisking point.

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The palace of Lord Ram&#39;s father, King Dashrath in Ayodhya (WION)
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&nbsp;

Devotees and visitors to the makeshift temple are not allowed to wear belts, carry any electronic gadgets or even a pen beyond the first frisking point. A wallet, some cash and &ldquo;prasad&rdquo; is all that is allowed in, that too, after three stages of frisking. The moment the policemen find out that you are from the media, the checking becomes even more stringent with security personnel even insisting on shoes being removed for checking. The ban on photography and videography is painted on walls at regular intervals.

&ldquo;Please beware of the monkeys inside. They may snatch your prasad,&rdquo; warn many policemen standing guard inside the disputed compound. The sight of policemen carrying colorful slingshots appears amusing to begin with but it takes only a few moments to realize that those slingshots are probably their only protection against the constant assaults from an army of monkeys which roams in and around Ground Zero.

After clearing the second frisking, the walk through the narrow wire mesh passageway, with monkeys dangling on the outside of the enclosed passageway, feels like one long walk inside a never-ending cage. Probably nowhere in the world would one have to negotiate such a fortress-like security and heavy presence of armed forces to go visit a deity.

On any given day, the security personnel don&#39;t allow people in the cramped queue inside that narrow wire-meshed passageway to halt for more than 7-8 seconds at the spot from where the Ram idol is seen. The fact that I visited the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - which marked the 25th anniversary of the events of 1992 - probably was a stroke of luck. With just a couple of hours to go for the temple to close for the day, I not just escaped those long queues which are a daily feature here but also managed to stand before the Ram Lalla idol for a good five minutes before finally making my way out.

The priest sitting on the other side of the wire-mesh was a good-humoured man. He told me that if I could just take a step to my left and look diagonally inside the tent, I&#39;ll be able to see an idol of Lord Hanuman as well. He was right and seemed pleased when I told him that I could actually see the Hanuman idol. I asked him if he was the only priest on duty there to which he replied that there are four priests who serve the temple in shifts.

Watching me stand before the temple for almost five minutes, a CRPF personnel finally asked me move, his discomfort at my long halt there almost palpable. A sizeable number of the CRPF personnel guarding the innermost security ring around the makeshift temple comprises of women. Having witnessed an attempt by six heavily armed terrorists to storm the makeshift temple in 2005, the security forces clearly are taking no chances and want adequate women personnel to keep a watch on female visitors to the shrine.

As I made my way out, trying to soak in what I had just experienced, a plethora of thoughts and questions started flooding my mind.

Would a God need protection? Would a God approve of what happened in 1992? Would any God want people to fight people believing in a different God? Would a God want his devotees to be frisked at multiple locations before they can reach his temple? Would a God want to be a party to a land dispute? Would a God even care about a temple or a mosque for that matter?

Watch WION&#39;s special segment

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This segment brings to you news on 25th anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition. Watch this clip to know more. (WION)
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero.

WION travelled to Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - the 25th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition - and visited the makeshift Ram Temple that now exists on the disputed site. With cameras barred, WION brings to you this first person account from Ground Zero. There he was, wrapped in bright and shiny clothes, adorned with jewellery, sitting pretty inside the fireproof tarpaulin tent which has been his home for the past 25 years now. There he was, the prince of Ayodhya, the darling of devotess, the man known as the “maryada purushottama”. There he was, a God who now, almost helplessly, lies imprisoned in a makeshift temple in his own birthplace. Imprisoned. That's the word that stayed with me from the moment I passed through the first frisking point, walked through a narrow, serpentine passageway protected by walls and a roof made of wire mesh (made so narrow on purpose so that it can only accommodate a single queue of visitors), encountering two more frisking points on the way, to the point when I finally could get a glimpse of Ram Lalla, or Baby Ram. The sight of gun-wielding personnel from India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) just outside the tent housing Baby Ram's idol inside that tent was surreal, to put it mildly. As if the God himself was under threat and required protection. Reaching him is not easy. The first security barricade is almost a kilometer away from the 2.7 acre site where Ram Lalla or Baby Ram now resides. Policemen from Uttar Pradesh's Provincial Armed Constabulary manning this barricade are not too finicky. All they are interested is in ensuring that no four-wheeler passes through this barricade. The second barricade comes after 500 meters and is located just next to the palace of Dashrath - Lord Ram's father. Located at what is called Bada Sthan (Big Place) this barricade is just 500 hundred meters away from the first frisking point. The palace of Lord Ram's father, King Dashrath in Ayodhya (WION) × Devotees and visitors to the makeshift temple are not allowed to wear belts, carry any electronic gadgets or even a pen beyond the first frisking point. A wallet, some cash and “prasad” is all that is allowed in, that too, after three stages of frisking. The moment the policemen find out that you are from the media, the checking becomes even more stringent with security personnel even insisting on shoes being removed for checking. The ban on photography and videography is painted on walls at regular intervals. “Please beware of the monkeys inside. They may snatch your prasad,” warn many policemen standing guard inside the disputed compound. The sight of policemen carrying colorful slingshots appears amusing to begin with but it takes only a few moments to realize that those slingshots are probably their only protection against the constant assaults from an army of monkeys which roams in and around Ground Zero. After clearing the second frisking, the walk through the narrow wire mesh passageway, with monkeys dangling on the outside of the enclosed passageway, feels like one long walk inside a never-ending cage. Probably nowhere in the world would one have to negotiate such a fortress-like security and heavy presence of armed forces to go visit a deity. On any given day, the security personnel don't allow people in the cramped queue inside that narrow wire-meshed passageway to halt for more than 7-8 seconds at the spot from where the Ram idol is seen. The fact that I visited the makeshift Ram Temple in Ayodhya on December 6, 2017 - which marked the 25th anniversary of the events of 1992 - probably was a stroke of luck. With just a couple of hours to go for the temple to close for the day, I not just escaped those long queues which are a daily feature here but also managed to stand before the Ram Lalla idol for a good five minutes before finally making my way out. The priest sitting on the other side of the wire-mesh was a good-humoured man. He told me that if I could just take a step to my left and look diagonally inside the tent, I'll be able to see an idol of Lord Hanuman as well. He was right and seemed pleased when I told him that I could actually see the Hanuman idol. I asked him if he was the only priest on duty there to which he replied that there are four priests who serve the temple in shifts. Watching me stand before the temple for almost five minutes, a CRPF personnel finally asked me move, his discomfort at my long halt there almost palpable. A sizeable number of the CRPF personnel guarding the innermost security ring around the makeshift temple comprises of women. Having witnessed an attempt by six heavily armed terrorists to storm the makeshift temple in 2005, the security forces clearly are taking no chances and want adequate women personnel to keep a watch on female visitors to the shrine. As I made my way out, trying to soak in what I had just experienced, a plethora of thoughts and questions started flooding my mind. Would a God need protection? Would a God approve of what happened in 1992? Would any God want people to fight people believing in a different God? Would a God want his devotees to be frisked at multiple locations before they can reach his temple? Would a God want to be a party to a land dispute? Would a God even care about a temple or a mosque for that matter? Watch WION's special segment This segment brings to you news on 25th anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition. Watch this clip to know more. (WION) ×

The imprisoned Lord: First-person account from Ayodhya

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tapan Bhowmik on Friday stirred a controversy saying if the Supreme Court doesn&#39;t pronounce the Ayodhya verdict in favour of the Ram temple, then the apex body will be forced to do so by the Hindus. &nbsp;

Bhowmik, who was addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh&#39;s Ratlam, stated that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them.

He added that after the verdict, their people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules and pass a bill to build a temple at the same spot.

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Verdict will go in favour of Hindus&hellip; if it does not, we will ensure it does. Hindus will do so. After this verdict, our people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules, pass Bill to build a temple at the same spot: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/KUGxQQUww7">pic.twitter.com/KUGxQQUww7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938991911704002561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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If that does not happen, crores of Hindus will make that happen: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZHnav491Ad">pic.twitter.com/ZHnav491Ad</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/938992046466940930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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As per reports, Bhowmik made these statements during an event to mark the release of a book titled &#39;Kar Sewa Aankhon Dekhi&#39;. &nbsp;

Bhowmik said that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tapan Bhowmik on Friday stirred a controversy saying if the Supreme Court doesn't pronounce the Ayodhya verdict in favour of the Ram temple, then the apex body will be forced to do so by the Hindus. Bhowmik, who was addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, stated that crores of Hindus will make sure that SC favours them. He added that after the verdict, their people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules and pass a bill to build a temple at the same spot. Verdict will go in favour of Hindus… if it does not, we will ensure it does. Hindus will do so. After this verdict, our people sitting in Lok Sabha will make rules, pass Bill to build a temple at the same spot: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/KUGxQQUww7 — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × If that does not happen, crores of Hindus will make that happen: Tapan Bhowmik,BJP on Ram Temple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/ZHnav491Ad — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × As per reports, Bhowmik made these statements during an event to mark the release of a book titled 'Kar Sewa Aankhon Dekhi'.

Will force SC to pronounce Ayodhya's verdict in favour of Ram Temple, says BJP leader

Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of &#39;Manthara&#39;.&nbsp;

Surejwala said, &quot; The Congress stand has always been clear, that Ayodhya case will be decided by Supreme Court, same has been said by Law minister many times.&quot;

He said that that the Congress party has nothing to do with who Kapil Sibal represents.&nbsp;

Referring to Arun Jaitley&#39;s representation in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy&nbsp;case, the Congress leader asked: should the entire BJP be blamed for that?

BJP President Amit Shah had asked&nbsp;Congress to clear their stand on temple issue after&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-next-hearing-in-supreme-court-in-february-2018-25932" target="_blank">Kapil Sibal asked for a delay in Ramjanambhoomi case</a>.&nbsp;

He said at a point when Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi is visiting temples in Gujarat, Kapil Sibal is asking for a delay in Ram Janambhoomi case.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal who is representing the Sunni Waqf Board in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/a-wion-perspective-ayodhyas-temple-of-harmony-7163" target="_blank">Ayodhya Babri Masjid case</a>&nbsp;has asked the Supreme Court&nbsp;to take up the matter on July 15, 2019 once all the pleadings are complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He told the Supreme Court that serious repercussions will be created outside the court, whenever the matter is heard. To preserve the decorum of law and order, the court should conduct the proceedings after all pleadings are complete.&nbsp;

Replying to Amit Shah, Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of Manthara

Congress leader Randeep Surejwala has said that Congress stand has always been clear and that the BJP is playing the role of 'Manthara'. Surejwala said, " The Congress stand has always been clear, that Ayodhya case will be decided by Supreme Court, same has been said by Law minister many times." He said that that the Congress party has nothing to do with who Kapil Sibal represents. Referring to Arun Jaitley's representation in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, the Congress leader asked: should the entire BJP be blamed for that? BJP President Amit Shah had asked Congress to clear their stand on temple issue after Kapil Sibal asked for a delay in Ramjanambhoomi case. He said at a point when Rahul Gandhi is visiting temples in Gujarat, Kapil Sibal is asking for a delay in Ram Janambhoomi case. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal who is representing the Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya Babri Masjid case has asked the Supreme Court to take up the matter on July 15, 2019 once all the pleadings are complete. He told the Supreme Court that serious repercussions will be created outside the court, whenever the matter is heard. To preserve the decorum of law and order, the court should conduct the proceedings after all pleadings are complete.

BJP playing the role of 'Manthara': Congress leader

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