BY BOSCO CELESTINE
TIA
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NEW DELHI: Initial euphoria over the Ayodhaya verdict within the Hindu groups appears to be waning and realization is dawning that the verdict is flawed. The latest reaction of Vishwan Hindu Parishad chief Ashok Singhal has added a new dimension to the issue when he described the judgment as completely uncalled for as none of the parties involved had asked for a division of disputed land.
Questioning the judgment he says “The Court has allotted 3,500 square feet of land each to all parties involved. This is not enough to accommodate even the ‘Garba Griha’ if the grand temple which is proposed to be built at the site. We are confident that the High Court ruling be set aside by the Supreme Court.”
With his outburst, Singhal has virtually served to notice to Nirmohi Akhara who have suggested that they were ready for a respectable structure for Lord Ram instead of “bhaviya mandir” (grand temple).
“There is no question of setting for anything less than a grand temple. In any case, we believe Nirmohi Akhara should not have given share in the disputed land. We want a temple similar in size and grandeur to the Akshardam temple in Delhi which is spread over 70 acres”. He said.
Only VHP affiliated Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas could build the temple at the spot as it had that authority from Ram Lalla itself. The Nyas has announced that it would approach Supreme Court against the verdict.
Meanwhile playing it safe, the Congress has chosen to go for a calibrated, cautious approach. Its Working Committee states “the Indian National Congress respects the judicial process with regard to Ramajanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit. However, we must now await the final decision of the Supreme Court, as when the appeal is filed.”
Debunking Advani’s claim to legitimize and legalise his leading role in the demolition of the Masjid, the Working Committee says “ it is important to underline that the verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992 which was a shameful and criminal act, for which perpetrators must be brought to justice”.