RSS desperate on Ayodhya, attacks SC

NEW DELHI: The Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) desperation on the Ayodhya issue has come out as it attacked the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday for delaying its ruling on pending petitions.

A Ram temple at the site of a razed mosque had been a promise that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has not been able to fulill as it faces a fresh election early next year. The apex court has put of its verdict to next year.

The RSS, idoelogical mentor of the BJP, had pressed for an ordinance to let the building of the temple begin. However, the Narendra Modi government remains reluctant to go against legal advice that the Supreme Court verdict has to be awaited before proceeding.

On Wednesday, RSS leader Indresh Kumar called the top court’s decision to defer the hearing “inappropriate.”

Kumar said that a three-judge bench “disrespected” 1.25 billion Indians.

“I haven’t taken names because 1.25 billion Indians know their names, a three-judge bench (SC) was there. They delayed, they denied, they disrespected. This was inappropriate,” he said.

Kumar was asked why the government is hesitant to bring an ordinance.

“The government doesn’t want to breach the model code of conduct,” he said. He added: “It is possible that the Chief Justice will issue a stay in case someone goes to court.”

“All are looking forward to justice. They still have belief... but the judiciary, judges and justice have been disrespected because of two-three judges... It should be heard early. What is the problem? Otherwise, a question arises: if they are not ready to deliver justice, they should think if they want to remain judges or resign,” he said.

Earlier this month, RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi had accused the court of “insulting” Hindus. “The court also said their priorities were different,” Joshi said, adding that “Hindus are feeling insulted.”

Another Sangh Parivar outit, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, recently organised a Dharma Sabha in Ayodhya to push for the construction of Ram temple as early as possible. However, reports said that the Nov.25 gathering missed top sadhus from Ayodhya and surroundings.

Sadhus of the Nirvani and Nirmohi akharas, two of Ayodhya’s three prominent Ramanandi akharas, kept away and called it a “drama for politics.” The temple promise is as old as 1990. It was a BJP card in 2014 also.

The party fears a backlash next year and passes the blame on to the Congress.