New Delhi: In a show of strength on the Ayodhya issue, thousands of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-affiliated religious leaders held a 'Dharam Sansad' on February 24 near the Parliament House flaying political parties and threatening to intensify their stir if the "undisputed" land was not returned by March 25.

On the third and concluding day of the VHP-backed meeting, religious leaders along with Bajrang Dal activists marched towards Parliament carrying tridents, placards and shouting pro-temple slogans but were stopped by security personnel near Parliament Street Police Station.

Describing the agitational programme as the "last religious war", VHP firebrand leader Praveen Togadia warned that if the construction of the Ram temple was not allowed at the earliest "every village would be turned into Ayodhya".

For the second consecutive day, he exhorted Congress to support the temple cause and promised two-thirds majority to any party coming forward.

"We don't hate you (Congress). We love all those who love Ram Lalla," Togadia declared. He had on February 23 said VHP was not in the politics of making BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) win or Congress lose.

Mercurial Ram Janambhoomi Nyas chief Paramhamsa Ramchandra Dass, who had threatened to commit suicide ahead of the 'Shilaadan' programme in 2002, warned on February 24 that he would carry the building material on his head and proceed to "undisputed site" if it was not returned by March 25.

VHP had on February 22 announced a mass awareness 'Dilli Chalo' programme from March 5-24 culminating in a protest rally in Delhi on March 27. It had also announced countrywide protests on February 27, the first anniversary of the Godhra massacre.

PTI