Mohan Bhagwat: Only Ram Mandir at disputed Ayodhya site
What's the story
RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat made an impassioned declaration that "the day is not far when a saffron flag will fly atop the Ram Mandir."
He was delivering the keynote address at Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) 'Dharma Sansad' in Udupi, Karnataka.
Further, he proclaimed that only the Ram temple must be built at that site and no other structure can come up.
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Dharma Sansad
What is the Dharma Sansad?
Dharma Sansad, a religious convention, would be attended by over 2,000 saints, mutt heads and VHP leaders from across India. UP CM Yogi Adityanath, 'Art of Living' founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and yoga guru Baba Ramdev might attend the 3-day event.
Apart from the Ram temple issue, preventing conversions, caste-based, gender-based discrimination and cow protection are other issues that will be discussed.
Bhagwat's views
What are Bhagwat's views about Ayodhya's disputed site?
Bhagwat claimed that the Ram Mandir will be built soon. He said it wasn't a "populist declaration" but "a matter of faith."
He asserted that the constructed temple will have the same grandeur that existed earlier.
Moreover, the "same stones" will be used to construct the Ram Mandir under the guidance of the "flag-bearers" of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement for the last 25 years.
Peace efforts
Bhagwat's comments come amid recent efforts at resolving the issue
Bhagwat's comments come amid recent attempts of resolving the Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Masjid dispute. Incidentally, Sri Sri also tried to mediate the issue last week.
Earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board submitted a proposal in SC that a temple should be built in Ayodhya and a mosque in Lucknow.
SC will commence the final hearing of the case on December 5.
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Meanwhile, Bhagwat also proposed a complete ban on cow slaughter
Meanwhile, Bhagwat also made a pitch for a complete ban on cow-slaughter. He said, "If there is no ban on gau hatya (cow slaughter), we cannot be in peace." The Dharma Sansad will pass its resolutions on November 26. Bhagwat's comments might shape these resolutions.