- News>
Excavation has opened floodgates: VHP
Ayodhya, Mar 13: A buoyant VHP today said the excavation at the disputed site has opened the doors for similar demand in other historic and religious sites even as it reiterated its unhappiness with the BJP-led government stand on the Ram Temple issue.
Ayodhya, Mar 13: A buoyant VHP today said the excavation at the disputed site has opened the doors for similar demand in other historic and religious sites even as it reiterated its unhappiness with the BJP-led government stand on the Ram Temple issue.
A day after the excavation began here, the Sangh Parivar outfit has also categorically stated that the work would not adversely affect its agitation plan and it was determined to proceed with the week-long 'satyagraha' in New Delhi beginning March 27 in support of the temple.
"Our aspirations have been fulfilled. The excavation at the disputed site has opened the doors for similar excavations elsewhere," said VHP organising secretary Champat Rai.
Asked whether the VHP would make similar demands with respect to Mathura and Kashi, he said, "There is no need for any party to make such demand. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued the directive suo motu in this case, courts and government can make similar initiatives elsewhere also.
On the apprehensions of the Sunni central Waqf board on the role of Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, he said, "It is for the government to respond to the charges".
Board counsel Geelani had alleged yesterday that Joshi had replaced ASI director general on the eve of the excavation.
On the contention of some Muslim leaders that existence of a temple beneath the demolished structure was not relevant to the title suit pending before the court, Rai said, "They are not aware of the issues framed in the suit."
He, however, said the excavation would not influence VHP's satyagraha in Delhi in support of a Parliament enactment to hand over the acquired land to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and facilitate the construction of a Ram temple.
On the claims of some organisation that a Jain temple existed at the disputed site, Rai said we had five Thirthankaras in Ayodhya, the issue at stake is whether a temple or structure existed there. It could be Hindu, Jain or Buddhist's, he added.
Bureau Report
Board counsel Geelani had alleged yesterday that Joshi had replaced ASI director general on the eve of the excavation.
On the contention of some Muslim leaders that existence of a temple beneath the demolished structure was not relevant to the title suit pending before the court, Rai said, "They are not aware of the issues framed in the suit."
He, however, said the excavation would not influence VHP's satyagraha in Delhi in support of a Parliament enactment to hand over the acquired land to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and facilitate the construction of a Ram temple.
On the claims of some organisation that a Jain temple existed at the disputed site, Rai said we had five Thirthankaras in Ayodhya, the issue at stake is whether a temple or structure existed there. It could be Hindu, Jain or Buddhist's, he added.
Bureau Report