Ayodhya 'surplus' land return plea: Why now after 16 years, asks Congress

‘The country will draw its conclusion’

A worker polishing a model of the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the timing of the Centre’s application in the Supreme Court seeking to return surplus land around the disputed site in Ayodhya to its original owners, saying people will decide on the intent of this “sudden” move, which has come merely two months before the general elections.

The Opposition party, however, said it had “no opinion” on the plea for a change in status quo that has been maintained for 16 years and it was a matter between the Supreme Court and the Centre.

Congress spokesperson Abhshek Singhvi said the court had in its 2003 order clearly stated that status quo be maintained on the undisputed land. “You will draw your own conclusion, the country will draw its own conclusion.... What is important is that this application is moved on January 29, 2019, 16 years afterwards, in a matter of 2003 where the main writ of 2003 is pending,” he told reporters.

‘Court will decide’

“This status-quo has been continued for 16 years. Suddenly and suddenly... you know it better, whether it is because of election or some other reason, we do not know... So, you judge for yourself, but ultimate judge is the Supreme Court,” Mr. Singhvi said.

The Congress leader also said, “We have nothing to do with this matter which is yet to come up in court. The court will decide... whether application will be allowed, dismissed, or modified, that is between the Supreme Court and the applicant.”