Bangalore, Dec 01: Talks between religious leaders to resolve the Ayodhya issue would resume in about a fortnight, the Sankaracharya of Kanchi mutt Sri Jayendra Saraswati said today. ''Now Ramzan is over. The talks will resume within 10-15 days after the election results in the northern states are out,'' he told reporters here after participating in a function marking the golden jubilee of his accession.

Replying to a question, he said that Ayodhya issue was religious in nature therefore it had to be resolved by religious leaders and politics had no role to play. ''Ram's and Allah's religion is the same -- dharma. In dharma, what is the role of politics? it should go out.''

Settling the Ayodhya issue amicably would bring happiness and peace to all religions, he added. Replying to another question, he said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad would not be a party to the discussions.

Earlier, Sri Jayendra Saraswati was felicitated by Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar mutt, Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri mutt, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Swamiji of Suttur mutt, Birendra Keshava Tharakanandapuri Swamiji of Kanaka Peeta, Sri Shivapuri Swamiji and Sri Vidhyaprasanna Theertha Swamiji.

Karnataka Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar, who represented Chief Minister S M Krishna, said the state government had written a letter to the Centre recommending the declaration of the birthday of Adi Sankara as 'Philosophers' Day.'

Bureau Report