Rajnath talks temple at Kumbh

In stark contrast to Narendra Modi’s development talk in Delhi, it was back to Hindutva and the Ram temple for the BJP at a Sangh Parivar gathering at the Maha Kumbh in Allahabad on Wednesday. Kenneth John reports.

In stark contrast to Narendra Modi’s development talk in Delhi, it was back to Hindutva and the Ram temple for the BJP at a Sangh Parivar gathering at the Maha Kumbh in Allahabad on Wednesday.

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Party chief Rajnath Singh, speaking at a meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. He said he was there not as a politician to deliver a speech but merely to seek the blessings of the saints.

Rajnath’s speech followed VHP patron Ashok Singhal’s statement that the temple issue could not be solved in a court of law.

"The court has already upheld Hindu claim on Ramjanmabhoomi. There have been appeals challenging the order of the Allahabad high court on the Ayodhya title suit but Hindus can't go on waiting till all legal disputes are resolved."

He added: "Now this issue can be settled only through Parliament. The UPA government should form a bill to ensure construction of the temple and a ban on the construction of new masjids."

"We have shown our strength once with the Babri Masjid being pulled down in five hours. Youth are ready for the sacrifice and until the Hinu Samaj once again shows its strength, Ram temple will not be made," Singhal said.

Fellow VHP leader Praveen Togadia, in his address, appealed to the saints to help the VHP check cow slaughter and conversion.