Subramanian Swamy backs VHP on Ram temple issue

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who joined VHP leaders at a press conference here, too announced to take up the matter with his party led government at the Centre after the Bihar election is over.

In what could open another Pandora’s Box for the NDA government at the Centre, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday pushed for the construction of a Ram Temple at Ayodhya and demanded the government to acquire land at the disputed site for the same.

Senior VHP leader Ashok Singhal and Subramanian Swamy during a press conference for Ram temple construction issue in New Delhi.(Sanjeev Verma/ HT Photo)

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who joined VHP leaders at a press conference here, too announced to take up the matter with his party led government at the Centre after the Bihar election is over.

Swamy and VHP functionaries, Ashok Singhal and Champat Rai, reminded the BJP that their manifesto for the 2014 elections had promised the temple’s construction and the Modi government should take steps in this regard.

They, however, told a press conference that they would wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the sensitive issue before deciding on further course of action. “The government for a public interest purpose can issue a notice to the Babri Masjid Muthwali (hereditary supervisor) for acquisition of the land and building of Babri Masjid and offer (to Muslims) another site to build a mosque, perhaps across the Saryu river,” they said in a statement.

Swami said he has, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made suggestions on how to move forward on this issue. “I have not received a reply. I will take it up again after Bihar Assembly polls,” he said.

He had also asked party chief Amit Shah to convene a special session of National Council of BJP over the issue, he added.