BUILD THE TEMPLE , NO MATTER HOW: BHAGWAT

Lays down the political agenda for BJP in run-up to elections, tells party not to wait for court verdict but to enact a law

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday laid down the political agenda of the BJP government in the run-up to the general election and demanded a law or an Ordinance to pave the way for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.

"Chahe jaise ho mandir banna chahiye (it doesn't matter how, the temple must be built)," Bhagwat said, leaving the Centre little choice in the matter. He suggested that the government could table a Bill in Parliament for its construction.

The BJP line on the temple has been that it would wait for a Supreme Court verdict on the matter. The party has also maintained that it is hopeful of a favourable judgment.

The RSS chief further argued that an organised Hindu society is the bedrock of unity and the acceptance of eternal Hindutva ethos is the "panacea" for fundamentalism. It is also a cure for selfishness and unbridled consumerism.

Giving his temple prognosis, Bhagwat said its construction was imperative as it had to do with national self-esteem. Its construction would also promote oneness and social harmony.

Referring to the ongoing protests at Sabarimala, Bhagwat said the

Supreme Court verdict has not taken into consideration the nature and premise of tradition. "The sentiment of heads of religious denominations and faith of crores of devotees were not taken into account. The plea by a large section of women, who follow this tradition, was not heard too," he noted.

He said questions such as why only the Hindu society experiences such repeated and brazen onslaughts on its symbols of faith obviously arise in the public's mind and lead to unrest.

The verdict, too, has given rise to unrest, turmoil and divisiveness in the society, the RSS chief reasoned.

He was giving his annual Vijayadashmi address, the last before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at the RSS headquarters. Nobel Prize winner and social activist Kailash Satyarthi was the chief guest on the occasion

Bhagwat also hit out at Maoism, saying it has always been "urban" phenomenon. Last but not the least, he urged citizens to vote in full strength against those wanting to “break India”. Bhagwat also appealed to Sangh cadres to ensure that 100% voters turn up during polls and vote for those working for “national integration”.