Sena MP Sanjay Raut calls on Yogi Adityanath

LUCKNOW: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, who was in Lucknow to finalise arrangements for party chief Uddhav Thackeray's two-day visit to Ayodhya over the weekend, met chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday morning.
Calling it a courtesy call, Raut said that he informed the CM about Thackeray's programme and sought administrative help for Thackeray's visit.

"It was a courtesy meeting and the CM was extremely cordial. We have assured him and police administration that Shiv Sena will not create any law and order problem in Ayodhya on Saturday and Sunday when our party chief will be there," Raut told TOI.

Shiv Sena is putting pressure on the government to bring an ordinance for the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site, saying that the construction should start before 2019 Lok Sabha elections. After reaching Ayodhya on Saturday afternoon, Thackeray will meet various seers. On Sunday, he is scheduled to address a massive meeting of Shiv Sena workers and supporters in Ayodhya.

Raut, who is camping in Ayodhya till November 26, also denied reports that the government had not given Shiv Sena permission to hold a press conference in the VVIP guest house on Monday.

"The government is absolutely cooperating and there was no question of us taking permission to hold the press meeting in the VVIP Guest House. We took the decision to shift the press meeting venue due to some logistical issues," he said.