RSS chief raises temple issue as polls approach

Ahead of the Gujarat elections, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat yesterday raised the pitch for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying it will be constructed only at the disputed site and “nothing else” will be built there.

“The Ram temple will be constructed at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi and nothing else will be built. It will be constructed and that too in its original form, and with the same stones. It will be built under the leadership of those who led this movement and have been holding its flag for 20 to 25 years,” he said at a threeday ‘Dharam Sansad’ of the VHP here.

“The time has come close. We have to be very careful and take steps one by one. We don’t have to think about anything else.

“For the welfare of the Hindu society and for the universal welfare of the world, let the Ram temple be built at Ram Janbhoomi in Ayodhya. This is my only wish,” Bhagwat said after the head of Pejawar Mutt, Vishweshateertha Swamiji, said that construction of Ram temple would begin within one year after removing all the hurdles.

Renewed mediation

This is the first time that Bhagwat has spoken so vehemently on the Ram temple issue in a public platform.

His comments assume significance in the context of renewed mediation attempts by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to find a solution to the dragging dispute in Ayodhya.

The Shia Central Wakf Board said earlier this week that it was ready to build a mosque in Lucknow so that the temple could be built in Ayodhya, a proposal which was also submitted to the Supreme Court.

Recalling his association with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackrey, Bhagwat said: “Balasaheb once told me clearly that you cannot build Ram temple by kar sewa alone. It needs a tough fight which may take even 20 to 30 years. If you continue with this fight then there is a possibility of construction of Ram temple in 20 to 30 years.”