RSS remarks on Ram temple puts BJP in a quandary

RSS general secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi’s remarks in Prayagraj that Ram temple will be built in 2025 has discomforted the BJP as it has not missed the sarcasm of the Sangh, which has been pitching for temple construction "at the earliest" on the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The RSS later clarified the remarks.

Joshi meant it is the wish of the RSS that temple construction should be completed by 2025. He also said, while it is the wish of the RSS, it has to be actionised by the government

“Mandir bane ye humari ichha hai. 2025 tak poora hona chahiye, ye humari ichha hai, sarkar ko tay karna hai. 25 ko shuru karne ki baat nahi ki hai, aaj shuru hoga to 5 varsho mein banega,” he told ANI.

Joshi’s remarks were interpreted as RSS, miffed with the delay in resolving the Ram temple issue, voiced its anguish and took a dig at the BJP-led government for delaying the construction even when the term of Modi government was coming to a close in next few months.

RSS defends

Facing a volley of questions at a press conference in BJP headquarters, Union Minister Smriti Irani reiterated the commitment of BJP and Modi government towards construction of Ram temple but declined to comment on Joshi’s remarks.

“This is a forum of BJP and being a spokesperson of BJP I should not be commenting on the RSS," she said.

The RSS issued a press statement giving the “context” of Joshi’s remarks. “In 1951 the then President of India Rajendra Prasad had, during the installation ceremony of the Somnath temple, said that the reconstruction of Somnath temple, a symbol of national honour, marks the nation's march to prosperity. After six years, Kumbh Mela will again take place in 2025 and by then the construction of Ram temple, again a symbol of nation’s honour, will be completed and the nation will move towards prosperity. Bhaiyya ji Joshi expressed this confidence,” the statement said.