New Delhi: The tussle on the Bhojshala issue intensified on March 17, hours after the Centre shot off a letter to Madhya Pradesh with Chief Minister Digvijay Singh reacting angrily to it saying he wanted an order and not any letter.

"I want the Centre to give an order. Why this letter", the Chief Minister said when asked to comment on the latest letter from the Centre on the issue. "I have already conveyed my decision," he said.

"The Archaeological Survey of India/Central government have again considered all aspects of the matter and are of the view that the best solution of the problem is the one indicated in the February 26 letter of Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Jagmohan," the Union Culture Ministry told the Madhya Pradesh Home Secretary in a new letter copies of which were released to the media in New Delhi.

Jagmohan had stated in his letter that Hindus should be allowed to worship at the disputed shrine on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset and Muslims be given access to the ASI-protected 15th century monument on Fridays between 13:00 and 15:00 hrs for offering prayers.

He said Hindus could also carry some flowers and rice as prayer offerings to the presiding deity Wagdevi or goddess Saraswati.

The February 26 letter from the Union Ministry followed recommendation by the Chief Minister to implement the agreement reached in 1995 which provides Muslims to offer namaz every Friday and Hindus celebrate Basant Panchami every year at the structure.

"We would suggest that the views contained in the Union Minister's letter be accepted and implemented as and when law and order condition permits," the Ministry told the state government.

PTI