Lucknow: In a fresh bid to resolve the Ayodhya issue, National Minority Commission vice-chairman and head of the Ayodhya Committee constituted by the PMO (Prime Minister' Office), M S Usmani today (Feb 16, 2004) met All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) chairman Maulana Rabe Hasan Nadvi in Lucknow.

Usmani told reporters after the meeting that that they discussed the prevailing scenario in the country, including the Ayodhya issue.

Asked about the AIMPLB chairman's views on Ayodhya, Usmani said Maulana Nadvi chose not to say anything on the matter in view of the approaching Lok Sabha elections.

"As elections are round the corner, anything I say may undermine the importance of the issue and will be connected with the polls," Usmani quoted Nadvi as saying.

The Board would not like to take any initiative at least till the elections are over, he said quoting the noted Islamic scholar.

Usmani said he had not carried any proposal regarding Ayodhya to be discussed with the Maulana.

In reply to a question, he denied his visit and meeting with Nadvi was part of the 'feel-good' factor being propagated by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

Usmani said the Commission had been making endeavours to bring together heads of different religions in a bid to create a harmonious atmosphere in the country.

He said the recent 'fatwa' (religious decree) issued by Daru-ul-Uloom of Deoband appealing to the Muslims not to slaughter cows keeping in view the sentiments of the Hindus has been well received by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).