Jaitley dismisses fears of tension after verdict

With the Supreme Court dismissing the plea for deferment of the Ayodhya verdict, the BJP dismissed fears of an upheaval or tension after the Allahabad High Court pronounces its judgment on September 30.

With the Supreme Court dismissing the plea for deferment of the Ayodhya verdict, the BJP dismissed fears of an upheaval or tension after the Allahabad High Court pronounces its judgment on September 30.

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“People’s anxiety (over the verdict) doesn’t mean they have to lose their cool,” said Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley, dismissing fears that the verdict could cause communal tension.

All parties, including the BJP, had already appealed for calm, he said. “Our governments too have taken steps to ensure law and order.”

Jaitley dismissed suggestions that the verdict could alter the polity, saying “everyone knows it’s going to be an interim order as far as the legal finality of the issues. One of the litigants is bound to come to the apex court. It will not change the polity though the verdict may relate to people’s aspirations. Our appeal to all is to maintain peace at all times.”

Jaitley said he welcomed the apex court decision as the very basis for the deferment appeal was that the verdict would cause problems. His remark underscored the BJP’s strategy — not to hype the issue to a point where it eclipses other matters that helps the Opposition put the Congress and UPA on the mat. The RSS too has put in place a strategy that envisages a long haul for building the Ram temple at the disputed site.

Another BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said they did not want any legal delay.

The RSS said the Supreme Court has done the “right thing”. VHP international president Ashok Singhal also welcomed the apex court ruling.