Putting up a show of strength in Ayodhya ahead of the 26th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-led Dharma Sabha on Sunday asked Muslims to give up their claim to the disputed land and appealed to the BJP government to expedite the process for construction of a Ram temple.
Addressing the sabha after the inauguration, Ramji Das of Nirmohi Akhara said, “The date for construction of the Ram temple will be declared at the 2019 Kumbh mela.”
Assurance from Minister
Swami Jagatguru Bhadracharya of Chitrakoot, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, said he had received assurances from a top Minister of the Narendra Modi government that after December 11 when the model code of conduct (in force during the Assembly elections in five States) was lifted, the Centre would “find a solution clearing the path for the Ram Mandir.
The pontiff said the Minister hinted at an ordinance and assured him that Mr. Modi would “not deceive” the Hindus.
“The Minister told me we are taking such a decision that nobody can stop the construction of a Ram Mandir,” Swami Bhadracharya said addressing thousands of VHP and RSS activists at the Bada Bhakt Maal ki Bagiya grounds.
Chants of “Jai Sri Ram” reverberated at the venue, located a few kilometres away from the disputed site which was heavily guarded.
VHP international vice-president, Champat Rai, who led the rally, said the Hindus would not settle for any division of the disputed land , referring to the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict.
“We want the entire land. The day we get it, there will be peace and happiness in the country and development,” said Mr. Rai.
The VHP also asked the Sunni Waqf Board to withdraw its case and “come forward and voluntarily hand over to the Hindus their place.”
More than two-dozen heads of various sects assembled under the banner of the VHP. Much of the rhetoric was dominated by critical comments against the Supreme Court for delaying the hearing; the Congress party for causing obstacles in the construction of a temple. The speakers urged the Modi government not to keep Hindus waiting any longer.
Many speakers also said the temple would be built notwithstanding an adverse SC decision.
Swami Ravindracharya said if a decision was not taken soon, they would announce a course of action at the Dharm Sansad during the Prayagraj Kumbh.
Swami Bhadracharya said the apex court “might betray us but the “ janta ka nyayalay” (people's court) won't betray us.”
Swami Anand Brahmachari said in case of a further delay, the temple would be constructed in a fashion similar to the demolition of the Babri Masjid. “...if there is no decision, Hindus don't need any decision. The decision will be taken by the majority community living in India.”
Amid tight security, all roads leading to the disputed site were blockaded. While the VHP claimed it had a amassed a gathering of over two lakh, much of the rally site was empty, as shown by the drone footage of the U,P, police.
Reminiscent of the Ram Janmabhooomi movement of the 1990s, the VHP activists used provocative sloganeering to mobilise crowds on their way to the rally.
