VHP plans to put pressure on BJP for Ram temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be heading for another trouble with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announcing a sankalp (resolution) programme to drum up support for the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The events will be held at 5,000 places across the country on Ram Navami (April 5) to build the case for a Ram temple, followed by a conference of Hindu seers in Haridwar in June.

“We are confident that Yogi (Adityanath) and Modi will fulfil the desire of Hindus,” VHP working president Praveen Togadia told reporters here.

The firebrand leader reminded the BJP of a resolution it passed in the Palampur conclave of the party in 1987, wherein it suggested construction of a Ram temple through law by Parliament.

“The BJP stands by that resolution even today. The party also promised in its Uttar Pradesh manifesto that it will explore a solution to the dispute through constitutional method,” Togadia said.

The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is a communally sensitive issue, since the site is also claimed by Muslims for the Babri Masjid. The Babri mosque was demolished by workers and supporters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1992.