Supporters of the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Saturday. (Express photo/Vishal Srivastav)In a major warning to the Centre, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday asserted that Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya irrespective of whether the BJP government returns to power next year. Thackeray, who arrived in the town yesterday to attend the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)’s Dharma Sabha today and also offered prayers at Ram Lalla temple, told reporters, “Whether it is an ordinance or a bill, we want the construction of the Ram temple. If this government does not fulfil our demands, then, they shouldn’t forget that only a few days are left for the Lok Sabha polls.”
On Saturday, Thackeray had asked the Narendra Modi-led government to wake up from a “Kumbhakarna-like slumber” and declare a date for the construction of the Ram temple.
The twin towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad have turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security as “two lakh Ram bhakts, more than what was witnessed in 1992”, are expected to attend the VHP event. With the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pulling out all stops to mobilise people for the event, police are taking no chances. Several BJP leaders are also expected to attend the event.
Yesterday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had finalised the details for the construction of a 221-metre long statue of Ram in Ayodhya.
Yogi govt must decide soon: Thackeray
"Even UP CM Yogi Adityanath had promised to build the temple. But we are yet to see any progress on the ground. The government must take a call on this matter soon," Thackeray said.
The govt may fall but temple will be built: Thackeray
Do not play with Hindu sentiments: Uddhav Thackeray
No hidden agenda behind Ayodhya visit: Thackeray
Thackeray addresses the media, escalates attack on Centre
Addressing the media after his temple visit, Thackeray once again escalated his attack on the Modi government, saying, "Please do not play with the sentiments of the Hindus. Hindus won't stay mum on the issue. Whether it is an ordinance or a bill, we want the construction of the Ram temple. The government did not go to the Supreme Court when it came to demonetisation. If this government does not fulfil our demands, then, they shouldn't forget that only a few days are left for the Lok Sabha polls."
Fearing trouble, lesser devotees visit Ram Lalla
The UP administration, however, said that the number of devotees coming to pay obeisance to Ram Lalla has dropped in the past few days, apparently because of security concerns and the tension ahead of the rally. On Saturday, 17,680 people visited Ram Lalla, a number which on Friday was 49,112.
Over 100 Hindu seers to participate in event
More than 100 prominent Hindu seers, including Mahant Ravindra Puri, Mahant Suresh Das of the Digambar Akhada, head of the Ram Janmabhoom Trust Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Jagatguru Ramanadcharya Hansdevacharya from Haridwar, Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Swami Ram Bhadracharya, Swami Gyananad Giri from Odisha will be part of the religious congregation.
Army should be brought in Ayodhya, if required: Akhilesh Yadav
Expressing concerns over the law and order situation ahead of the rally, former UP CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said if required the Army should be deployed in Ayodhya. Yadav had said, “The Supreme Court should take notice of the situation in Uttar Pradesh. It should seriously consider the matter and bring in the Army if required… as the BJP and its allies can go to any extent." Read full story here.
Yogi Adityanath clears 221-meter tall Ram statue in Ayodhya
Yesterday, amid increasing demands, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath finalised the details for the construction of a 221-metre long statue of Ram in Ayodhya. While the height of the Ram statue would be 151 metres, its overhead umbrella would be 20 metres while the pedestal would be 50 metres, said Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Avaneesh Awasthi. The statue will be made of bronze, he added. Read full story here.
Mayawati on temple issue
Accusing both the BJP and Shiv Sena of raking up the Ram temple issue ahead of Lok Sabha polls as a tactic to divert attention from their failures in the central government and poll-bound states, BSP chief Mayawati yesterday suggested that the matter is resolved in the Supreme Court.
‘Here to wake Kumbhakarn sleeping for 4 years’
On Saturday, the Shiva Sena took on the Modi government over its failure to build the Ram temple at the disputed site. Organisation chief Uddhav Thackeray asked the government to wake up from a “Kumbhakarn-like” four-year slumber, and also sought a legislation or ordinance by the Centre to make way for building the temple. Addressing a gathering of party workers and saints at Laxman Qila, with his family by his side, Thackeray had said, “Today I want a date – first tell me when the Ram temple will be built, other issues will be discussed later.” Read full story here.
Similar event in Nagpur, Bengaluru today
Earlier this week, RSS sarkaryavah Suresh Joshi ‘Bhaiyyaji’ had visited the makeshift Ram temple and reviewed preparations of the Dharma Sabha. Today, the VHP will hold similar Dharma Sabhas in Nagpur and Bengaluru, a Sabha in Mumbai on December 2 and a bigger congregation in New Delhi on December 9. There is, however, little enthusiasm among the locals, who saw it as an event organised by “outsiders”.
Thackeray returns to hotel after visiting temple
Security arrangements in place: DIG
Speaking to news agency ANI, Directorate Inspector General of Police Omkar Singh said, "We have made all the arrangements for the programme. We have allotted spaces for parking, the bypass is running smoothly and we’ll ensure it stays like that. ‘Darshan’ will be held from the usual routes. We’ll do everything in an organized way."
Uddhav Thackeray visits Ram Lalla temple
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday visited the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, the organisation said on Twitter.
BJP hoardings welcome 'devotees' to Dharma Sabha
On Saturday, while BJP leaders were not present at the venue, party MLAs had put up hoardings welcoming “devotees” to the Dharma Sabha. “No BJP leader and senior functionary is here yet but they will reach on Sunday morning. They will come here as Ram bhakts,” an RSS pracharak overseeing the arrangements had said.
No unusual rush on Ayodhya roads
However, while the security bandobast stood in full gear, there was no unsual rush on the roads of Ayodhya on Saturday, the eve of the Dharma Sabha, except for Shiv Sainiks who walked down the streets with saffron flags. Hotels and dharamshalas in the town were heavily booked, with Shiv Sena leaders, including its MPs, MLAs and workers from Maharashtra, occupying prominent hotels. The BJP and VHP too have booked rooms for their senior functionaries who are likely to land in the city on Sunday.
Cops on alert as supporters likely to visit makeshift Ram temple
Police sources said heavy deployment of security has been made along the roads leading to the disputed site since those reaching Ayodhya for the programmes of the VHP and Shiv Sena are expected to visit the makeshift Ram temple. ADG (Technical Services) Ashutosh Pandey, DIG (Jhansi range) Subhash Baghel and ADG (Lucknow zone) Rajiv Krishna have been camping in Ayodhya since Friday. In a statement from Lucknow, ADG (Law and order) Anand Kumar had said that the Ayodhya city has been divided into nine zones and 17 sectors to draft the security plan. Besides, the government has deployed 42 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, five companies of the Rapid Action Force, ATS commandos and drone cameras to maintain law and order in Ayodhya.
Security beefed up ahead of VHP rally
With the BJP and the RSS pulling out all stops to mobilise people for the event, police are taking no chances. Three senior IPS officers have been deputed to supervise the security arrangements at programmes of the VHP and Shiv Sena. The Dharma Sabha will be held at Bade Bhakt Mal Ki Baghia, around 300 metres from the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas workshop.
Stage set for VHP's Dharma Sabha in Ayodhya
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)’s Dharma Sabha is all set to kickstart today as the twin towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad have turned into a virtual fortress with multiple layers of security as “two lakh Ram bhakts, more than what was witnessed in 1992”, are expected at the event. Follow this blog for all latest updates.