Preparations for Ram Temple's construction complete: VHP prez
VHP International President Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje has claimed the Ayodhya case has reached a "decisive stage" in the SC, and probability is high that "it'll be decided in (Hindus') favor." Preparations for the temple's construction are complete, he added, but they'll wait for the verdict expected in "5-6 months." Talking about the Modi-government, Kokje said it's "the best so far for Hindus and Hinduism."
What is the Babri Masjid/Ram Janmabhoomi dispute?
In December, 1992, thousands of right-wing activists razed down the Babri Masjid, claiming that it was built on a temple; this temple had special significance as it was considered the birth-place of Lord Ram. Since then, the 16th century site has been disputed. After the Babri Masjid demolition, the country witnessed Hindu-Muslim riots that killed about 2,000 people.
The case goes to the SC
In 2010, Allahabad HC ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya was Lord Ram's birthplace; additionally, Babri Masjid was built after destroying the temple but was not built according to Islamic tenets. It ordered a three-way split of the site among the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Lord Ram Lalla. However, all stakeholders rejected this and appealed in the SC.
VHP dismisses option of going to parliament
Talking about the matter, Kokje said that the parliament shouldn't have to frame a law to allow the temple's construction. "Going through that route would mean losing all that has been achieved so far through the battle in courts." He added the Modi government is "definitely better than those who talked of saffron terrorism and conspired to frame our leaders leveling false charges."
VHP roughly mirrors RSS' stand
Interestingly, Kokje's remarks echo what the RSS said in March. Stressing that a Ram Temple "and nothing else" would be constructed in Ayodhya, but only with "a mutual agreement." However, "building a consensus on this issue is not easy," said General Secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi.
