BJP, Cong hail SC’s Ayodhya proposal

RSS says the issue should be resolved at the earliest and a grand shrine should be built with the participation of all

Two major national parties on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s suggestion of an out-of-court settlement on the Ayodhya dispute. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said aggrieved parties should keep in mind its “sensitivity” while discussing the matter.

“The Supreme Court has called for an out-of-court settlement between the aggrieved parties. The parties should resolve the

issue amicably by talking to each other. We welcome this step and I believe there should be talks outside the court,” Mr Patra said.

The Congress, however, came out with a guarded response, saying there should either be a “consensus-based” solution, which will go a long way in ensuring lasting peace and goodwill, or the apex court should adjudicate the case on merit. “If stakeholders on both the sides can arrive at a mutually acceptable solution, it will go a long way in ensuring lasting peace, goodwill, mutual respect and brotherhood. Otherwise, the Supreme Court should adjudicate the issue on merits,” said party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Rashtriya Svyamsevak Sangh also welcomed the suggestion, saying the issue should be resolved at the earliest and a grand shrine should be built with the participation of all. “We welcome the suggestion of Supreme Court. The RSS always supported a settlement outside the court or a legislation to solve the sensitive issue,” RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Pravin Togadia said the Central government must bring out a legislation to build the Ram temple. While BSP supremo Mayawati said she will peruse the observations of the Supreme Court and then come out with her party’s stand. SP leader in Rajya Sabha, Ram Gopal Yadav, said the party does not comment on the Supreme Court.

MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “Remember Babri Masjid case is about title, which the Allahabad high court wrongly decided as a partnership case hence the appeal in Apex Court.”