Advani surprised at SC's decision to stay Ayodhya verdict

Senior BJP leader L K Advani on Saturday said he failed to understand why the Supreme Court has deferred pronouncement of the verdict on the Ayodhya title suit when the nation has been waiting for a decision on the dispute since decades.

Advani also appealed to the Apex Court to give a go ahead to Allahabad High Court during its next hearing of the case on September 28 so that the latter can give the verdict.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the famous Shiva temple here, the spot from where he took out the rath yatra to Ayodhya on this day 20 years ago, he said, "I am not able to understand the decision of the Supreme Court."

"I respect the judicial system of the country. But when the masses are awaiting the decision of the court on Ayodhya.. when litigants involved in the case also wanted the verdict.. and when the Allahabad High Court had also rejected the petition to defer the verdict, this decision has come from the Supreme Court," Advani said.

"But, now I will ask people and BJP workers to maintain calm for another few days as a respect to our courts."

"I appeal to the Apex court that countrymen have been awaiting a judgement in this case since the last 50 years. Hence, I urge the Supreme Court to take up the matter finally on September 28 and give it back to Allahabad High Court for decision on September 29," said Advani, who was accompanied by expelled BJP leader Uma Bharti.

The veteran leader visits Somnath temple every year since he took out a yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya on September 25, 1990.