The Hindu : Defer temple plan, Udupi seer urges VHP

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 04, 2002

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Defer temple plan, Udupi seer urges VHP

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE MARCH 3. Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swami of Pejawar Math, a trustee of Rama Janmabhoomi Nyas Trust, has appealed to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to defer its plan to begin work on the Ram temple in Ayodhya from March 15 by three months in view of the "tense and fluid situation'' in the country.

The swami, a founder of the VHP, has suggested a three-point formula, including acceptance of the court verdict about the disputed land at Ayodhya.

At a press conference here on Sunday, he asked the "kar sevaks" not to press for bringing construction materials to Ayodhya right now. He however, said the Government should allow the religious programme _ yagna _ in Ayodhya.

The swami, who is in the "margadarshak mandal'' of the temple movement, said he had spoken to the VHP leader, Ashok Singhal, and RSS chief, K.C. Sudarshan, on postponing the VHP's plans. Mr. Singhal had shown hesitation to the proposal saying that it had to be approved by "sants" but Mr. Sudarshan had agreed to it. He had to tried to convey to the two leaders that it was not in the interest of the temple movement itself to go ahead with their plans under the present circumstances. He was of the view that the assurances of the Prime Minister should be honoured. He hoped that the VHP would cooperate in "this hour of crisis.''

Elaborating his three-point formula, the swami suggested that the Government hand over the undisputed land to the VHP, while the latter should abide by the court judgement on the disputed land. The VHP could start construction in the undisputed land. He was confident that this solution would be agreeable to all political parties. "I can bring about an amicable agreement.''

The swami wanted the legal hurdles in transferring the undisputed land to the VHP removed while the Government should enable the court to expedite its judgement on the land in dispute. The Prime Minister should also call Hindu and Muslim religious leaders for a dialogue on the temple issue.

The swami sought free movement of "kar sevaks" to Ayodhya, but there should be no movement of building materials to the town for the next three months.

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