Ahead of polls, BJP revives Ram temple construction issue

Realising that development alone may not fetch votes, the BJP is trying to rake up the Ram temple issue again ahead of the Assembly polls in several states and the 2019 general election.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who has been spearheading the campaign, says the construction of the temple will begin soon at Ayodhya and people can pay a visit next Diwali.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is already stockpiling stones for the construction. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, interestingly, has decided to celebrate Diwali at Ayodhya.

Adityanath also stressed that a grand temple for Lord Ram's companion Sita should be built at her birthplace in Sitamarhi, Bihar, and that his outfit, Virat Hindustan Sangam (VHS), will work to achieve the goal.

Swamy, however, did not offer details of the construction schedule but stressed that hurdles are being cleared.

The issue is sub judice and the Supreme Court is expected to start day-to-day hearing of the case towards the end of the year.

Speaking at a seminar in Patna on Sunday, the Swamy said, "Construction of the temple is likely to begin sooner than later. This week we will be celebrating Diwali and by next Diwali, Ram temple is likely to be ready to receive devotees."

Hinting that the BJP should not give up on the temple issue, he said "ideology of Hindutva should never be lost sight of" for the sake of electoral success.

Adityanath would be celebrating Diwali along with his followers at Ayodhya but he denied that his visit had any connection with the coming elections.

In a bid to enter the Guinness Book of Records, close to 2 lakh earthen lamps would be lit on Diwali day.