Ayodhya: A buoyant Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on March 13 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 Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP)-led government stand on the Ram temple issue.
A day after the excavation began in Ayodhya, 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' (fasting) 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," VHP organising secretary Champat Rai
said.
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 moto in this case, courts and
government can make similar initiatives elsewhere also."
Questioned why VHP, which had earlier opposed the excavation, supports it now, he
said, "Now the court has taken into account our concern about the safety of the
makeshift temple and unhindered darshan of Ram Lalla."
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.
PTI
