Shimla: Rejecting the Opposition charge it was indulging in communal politics by moving the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya issue, the government on February 6 said it was the only "logical course" open to avoid any confrontation.

Asserting that the government wanted to avoid confrontation, Law and Justice Minister Arun Jaitley defended its action in approaching the apex court for lifting of the stay order prohibiting any religious activities in the undisputed land acquired by the government after the demolition of Babri Masjid.

"It was perfect and only in consonance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) agenda of finding a speedy solution," he said.

Opposition parties have charged the government with indulging in communal political parties and expressed their resolve to firmly oppose the move.

Jaitley disagreed with suggestions that the apex court was approached because of Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) insistence that the undisputed land be handed over to the Ram Janam Bhoomi Nyas for construction of the Ram temple before the February 21 deadline.

"The court was approached because we are committed to expeditious resolution of the Ayodhya issue. Moreover, the issue is alive and existing," he said.

Stating that the government had only approached the apex court with a request to expeditiously hear the matter, Jaitley said it was up to the court to fix a time frame.

Asked to comment on NDA ally Samata's fears that the situation could go out of hand in Ayodhya, Jaitley said he did not feel that the Samata thought it inappropriate for the government to move the court.

"Samata is part of the government and part of the decision-making process and a responsible partner of the NDA government. The government's action is only in consonance with NDA's agenda," he said.

PTI