New Delhi: In frank remarks apparently recognising current political realities, new BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani, the architect of party's rise through the Ayodhya temple movement, today (Oct 27, 2004) acknowledged that the "environment " that made it potent has changed and the "Hindu anger" has given way to a patient wait for the temple "whose construction is inevitable".

In his presidential address at BJP's National Council, held to ratify his election, Advani said his party was first and foremost "a party of nationalism and cultural nationalism" and dismissed fears that it had abandoned its ideology. He admitted the "slow progress" on the temple issue also affected the party in the elections.

"As party president my priority is to mould BJP into a battle worthy organisation capable of taking on the challenges of the Congress and the Left, both on the ideological and political fronts. Collectively we will set the stage for a resounding NDA (National Democratic Alliance) majority in the 15th Lok Sabha," he said, adding the coming days would be challenging for the party as the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government, backed by the Communists, has launched a concerted attack on its ideology.

"In the guise of detoxification, it has endorsed a witch hunt against those who were appointed to public posts by the NDA Government. The process has begun at the Centre and is certain to percolate to the States," he said.

Referring to the Ayodhya issue, he said a great deal has changed since the day he began the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra 14 years ago.

On the fact of it, the temple in Ayodhya remained caught in an infuriatingly complex legal tangle and political parties paid lip service to the need for a judicial verdict because it saved them the embarrassment of exercising a choice.

"Yet, the environment that made Ayodhya the most potent mass movement in post-Independent India has changed. The Ayodhya movement ensured that Hindus can no longer be either taken for granted or their sentiments blatantly disregarded. Our commitment to Ram temple in Ayodhya is in tact and unwavering. The nation eagerly looks forward to the day the makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi is replaced by a structure befitting the greatness of Lord Rama.

"At the same time we must be candid enough to recognise that the Hindu anger that exploded on the streets in the early nineties has given way to a patient wait for the new temple whose construction is, I feel, inevitable, " Advani said.