At VHP rally, Bhaiyyaji Joshi demands law for Ayodhya temple, says we are not beggingSTAFF REPORTER n
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Suresh ‘Bhaiyyaji’ Joshi on Sunday reminded the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government to fulfil its promise of constructing a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya and demanded the Union Government to enact a legislation, if need be, to facilitate the construction.
Thousands of people gathered at Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi on Sunday for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) rally to press for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, days before Parliament’s Winter Session commences.
Addressing the VHP rally, Joshi launched a veiled attack on the Union Government saying, “Those in power today had promised to construct Ram Temple. They should listen to people and fulfil the demand of temple in Ayodhya. They are aware of the sentiments.” Without naming the BJP, Joshi added, “We are not begging for it.”
Joshi reminded the BJP of its Palampur resolution on Ram Temple and said there is no other option and the Government needs to come forward showing courage for this holy work.
“They had passed a resolution that ‘Ram Mandir Wahin Banayenge’. Now the time has come to respect that resolution. Without any hesitation, they should move ahead towards fulfilling their commitment,” Joshi said in presence of thousands of Lord Ram devotees, saints and religious gurus.
Joshi said the judiciary has its own way, but in a democracy, Parliament has its own rights and the present Government should take initiatives in the direction of formulating a law.
“There is no other option. For this holy work, they need to come forward showing courage. This is the request of all Ram bhakts. We are not begging. We are expressing our views. The power has a big role in respecting these sentiments. I believe that those is power will understand these sentiments and will take positive steps,”
he said.
Joshi said the construction of Ram temple would bring “Ram Rajya” in the country and till the time it gets constructed, the movement will go on. “How long we will see lord Ram living in a temporary arrangement? This should end. There is a need for one last push. We all want to see lord Ram in the grand temple. The construction of temple will lay foundation of Ram Rajya in the country. It will decide, on which way the country will move ahead. Till the construction of temple, the movement will continue,” he said amid chants of “Jai Sree Ram” and “Ram Lala Hum Aayenge, Mandir Wahi Banayenge”.
“The power is not supreme but it plays an important role. Those sitting in the corridors of power need to understand the public sentiment. I believe that they are not only aware of it but are also in agreement on the issue of temple,” Joshi said.
Addressing the gathering, Sadhvi Ritambhara said the Government should listen to its “own” people and pave the way for the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. “Apno ki awaz apno ko sunana chahiye aur Ram mandir ka marg prashast hona chahiye,” she said. She also took a dig at the BJP for ignoring the sentiments of Hindus.
“Those who were talking about Lord Ram are enjoying power but Lord Ram is still in tent. It’s very painful to see Lord Ram in tents. There’s no meaning of constructing big statues of Lord Ram unless a grand Ram temple is constructed in Ayodhya. The use of power exists in putting India’s pride in its place,” Sadhvi said. Lokesh Muni, a dharma guru of Jain community, asked the Government to bring a legislation in the Winter Session of Parliament for the construction of the temple. It may be noted that the ‘Title Suit of the Ayodhya Land Dispute case’ is pending before the Supreme Court.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi is expected to announce a date on January19, 2019 for the beginning of the hearing. The land dispute has remained unresolved for more than 25 years. Pressing for their demand for the construction of Ram Temple, right-wing groups are demanding that the Union Government sidestep the courts and go ahead with the temple building.
“It is a massive gathering which will change the hearts of all those who are not in favour of bringing the Bill for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” VHP’s spokesperson Vinod Bansal said.
The right-wing group had approached President Ram Nath Kovind and State Governors during previous phases of its temple campaign. In the forthcoming stage, it will hold religious rituals and prayers at temples and muths.
The campaign will culminate at Prayag with a ‘Dharam Sansad’ of priests and saints. The final religious congregation will be held on January 31 and February 1. VHP president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje and its international working president Alok Kumar are also expected to address the rally.
The traffic police has issued an advisory detailing diversions in view of the rally. It said no traffic will be allowed on Ranjeet Singh Flyover (from Guru Nanak Chowk to Barakhambha Road), JLN Marg (from Rajghat to Delhi Gate), Chaman Lal Marg near VIP gate.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Ramlila Maidan and snipers have been deployed on high-rises. The VHP had carried out a door-to-door campaign to make the rally a success.
