Lucknow: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said that it will support the Congress ahead of Lok Sabha elections, if the party manifesto promises to build ‘Ram Mandir’ in Ayodhya.
During the Kumbh in Prayagraj, VHP executive vice-president Alok Kumar told the media, “The Congress has closed all its doors for us, but if they open their doors and include the Ram Mandir in their manifesto, we may think of supporting the party.”
Kumar’s statement has come as a warning to the BJP over the delay in construction of the temple.
Right-wing outfits are likely to up the pressure on the BJP government to bring in a legislation for Ram Temple during VHP’s Dharm Sansad on January 31.
“We will seek blessings from seers and saints in the Dharm Sansad. We will also put forth the issue of Ram Mandir and seek advice from seers and saints. Only then will we decide our next move,” Kumar added.
However, Kumar claimed his statement has been overstretched. Speaking to News18 on Sunday, he said “The VHP has met all political parties in the recent days and requested them to support the legislature if it comes up in Parliament. We believe that the temple issue should be a matter of consensus in the political field. We shall request all parties to include this in their manifesto. We will thank the parties that do it. However, that does not mean support to any party, it’s not our job and we do not do it.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra responded to Kumar’s comment saying, “First, let the Congress party inherit Lord Ram in their heart. This is the same Congress whose leader Kapil Sibal said in court that the issue should be heard after elections. We are committed towards Ram Temple.”
In an interview to ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ruled out bringing in any ordinance regarding ‘Ram Mandir’ while the issue is pending in courts.
“We think that the central government will not bring any ordinance on the construction of Ram Mandir. We will also be telling this to the seers and saints who will participate in the Dharm Sansad,” Alok Kumar said.
The judicial process will gather pace on January 29 when a five-judge bench to hear the Ayodhya title dispute case will be reconstituted following the recusal of Justice UU Lalit in the Supreme Court.
