Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut performs bhoomi pujan

LUCKNOW: Ahead of Shiv Sena rally and VHP’s Dharam Sabha on November 24-25, parties and organisations have started mobilising volunteers to reach Ayodhya. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday performed ‘bhoomi pujan’ for the party’s ‘Jan Samvad’ and ‘Aashirwad Samman’ programmes on the premises of Laxman Fort.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be the chief guest of the programme.

Raut said Thackeray would remind the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of its promise of Ram temple construction in Ayodhya.

“Twenty-five years have passed since the demolition of the mosque but Ram temple has not been constructed yet. Riding on the temple promise, the BJP formed the majority government at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh but no initiative has been taken by the government for temple construction,” he said.

Raut said if the BJP failed to fulfil its promise, the people would teach it a lesson in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Shiv Sena MPs, MLAs, officebearers and workers started arriving at Ayodhya on Wednesday. Shiv Sena leaders said the party workers would not put any hurdle in the VHP’s Dharam Sabha.

Talking to media persons, former BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said hundreds of Bajrang Dal volunteers would also reach Ayodhya on November 25.

“Bajrang Dal is organising programmes across the state to garner support for the construction of Ram temple. In view of public demand, the government will be left with no choice but to pave way for the temple,” he said.

President of Muslim Karsewak Manch Azam Khan, who also reached Ayodhya with his supporters, said the Manch would support the demand of the VHP and Shiv Sena for temple construction. “At least 1,000 Muslim volunteers will participate in the programme,” he said.

SECURITY TIGHTENED IN AYODHYA

The state police have strengthened security in Ayodhya and neighbouring districts in view of the programmes being organised by the VHP and Shiv Sena.

A senior police officer said the movement of the people towards the acquired area would be

restricted but there would be no curbs on the visit of pilgrims to the makeshift temple.

“Entry of vehicles in Ayodhya will be banned and a temporary parking will be set up near the highway,” he added.

The local intelligence unit has been directed to keep a watch on the activities of anti-social elements and suspicious people.

A large contingent of police force has been deployed in Ayodhya in view of Kartik fair on Friday.

The Central Paramilitary Force (CPMF) and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) will assist the local police in maintaining law and order.