NEW DELHI, 4 August 2003 — Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee yesterday sought to downplay his controversial comment that a temple would be built on India’s most sensitive holy site, claimed by both Hindus and Muslims. “There is no change in my government’s policy on the temple. I have said the temple should be built ... in a peaceful manner and in an atmosphere of goodwill,” Vajpayee told party followers here.
Opposition parties slammed Vajpayee for saying on Friday that he would fulfil the dying wish of a Hindu priest to build a temple in the northern city of Ayodhya on a Hindu holy site where a mosque was built in the 16th century. In 1992 Hindu zealots led by the then-opposition BJP tore down the Babri mosque, setting off nationwide riots that left more than 2,000 people dead. The dispute over the site is now before the courts.
Addressing hundreds of mourners for priest Ramchandra Paramhans just a few kilometers from the mosque’s rubble, Vajpayee said on Friday: “I shall fulfil his last wish. I am convinced that all hurdles will be removed gradually. Those who are opposing it (construction of the temple) will have the right wisdom. I make this commitment in front of his funeral fire and ashes.”
Vajpayee ysterday sought to clear the air by saying that the funeral was a sad event during which he had to make a brief statement. “I made my comments in brief,” he said, adding that there was no change in the government’s policy that the temple-mosque dispute could be resolved either through the courts or by mutual agreement between the two communities. Efforts are on in this direction and I believe they are moving in a positive direction.” Showing his readiness to respect the court verdict on the issue, Vajpayee said, “The other option is that the issue should be left to the court. Whatever the court’s verdict, it should be accepted by all.” Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani also had said, “Nobody will now be able to stop the mahant’s dream from being fulfilled now. “
Fearing political commotion in Parliament over his Friday comments, Vajpayee was probably compelled to backtrack from his stand yesterday. There is little doubt, however, that Vajpayee’s Ayodhya “promise” has exposed the fact that the issue is very much on the BJP’s electoral agenda. BJP signaled its Ayodhya plan earlier by passing a resolution on the issue at its national executive committee meeting.
