Make law on temple or face stir, says VHP

If the Govt does not make any act to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the VHP will launch a 'Jan-andolan', VHP leader Praveen Togadia said.

VHP on Thursday threatened to launch a mass movement if a legislation is not brought about to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

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If the Government does not make any amendment or act to build the temple, we will launch a 'Jan-andolan' (people's movement), VHP leader Praveen Togadia told reporters in Lakshmi Narayan temple here ahead of his visit to take a holy dip in Ram Kund on the occasion of Kumbh mela here.

Later, amidst heavy security cordon and thousands of cheering supporters, Togadia took a holy dip.

However, he avoided going to Tapovan where some sadhus had threatened to boycott him.

Instead, he went to Vallabhacharya Nagar, near Tapovan and offered his prayers there.

After taking the holy dip, Togadia told reporters "While taking the holy dip here where Ram was on vanvas (exile), I have taken an oath that we will construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya".

"Even if Muslims oppose it, we will undertake the movement. I took the oath in this regard during the holy dip".

Togadia said he talked to sant community and claimed they also want the mandir to be built.

"Hindu janta ka maang hei ki bhagwan ram ki mandir banana hi padega" (Hindu community is demanding that a Ram temple be built in Ayodhya).

However, in a subtle change of tack, Togadia said he does not want the temple to be made a electoral issue.

Asked if VHP would support NDA in the general elections, he said "we do not want to make the temple a poll issue".