Nasik: Adopting an aggressive posture, Mahant Ramchandradas Paramhans, chairperson of Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas, said the centre would face a strong reaction if POTA was imposed on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Lashing out at those trying to "choke" the voices of VHP, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal, the Mahant reiterated that the Ram temple would be built at Ayodhya as "performing pooja at janam bhoomi is the birthright of the Hindus".

Speaking at Mahakavi Kalidas Kalamandir on July 4 evening on "Ram mandir nirman" (building of Ram temple), organised by Nasik unit of VHP, the Mahant said, "The people of the country have become alert and were getting united for their rights regarding the Ram janam bhoomi."

He alleged, "The ministers attend a host of functions, but when VHP takes up a programme they object and speak of imposing POTA."

The Mahant said after "freedom of Ram janam bhoomi, we will take up issues of Mathura and Kashi".

VHP state president Eknath Shetye said "Ram janam bhoomi issue is a religious issue but involvement of political leaders had led to a dispute on the matter".

The Mahant arrived from Ayodhya to participate in two official meetings at Nasik and Trimbakeshwar in view of the forthcoming "kumbh mela" next year.

PTI