Dehra Dun: In a significant move, the Jain community in Uttaranchal today (May 4, 2004) decided not to construct a temple near the famous Badrinath shrine in Chamoli district despite a favourable court verdict saying the issue was being politicised and creating a rift between Jains and Hindus.

"We have decided not to construct a Jain temple near Badrinath," Suresh Chand Jain, president of Uttaranchal Jain Samaj told reporters in Dehra Dun.

He said the Jain community has withdrawn its claim despite a favourable court verdict, as the issue was being politicised and had "polluted" the atmosphere in Uttaranchal.

A Chamoli court had last month ordered that a Jain temple can be constructed in the area, a move opposed by Hindus.

"There is no need to politicise the matter as well as any agitation over the issue. We do not want discords, we simply favour development in the country," Jain said.

He alleged some people were using the issue to create a rift between Hindus and Jains.

Jain denied reports that some trust has started construction for the temple at Badrinath area.

Meanwhile, both Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the decision of the Jain community for maintaining unity and integrity of the country.