New Delhi, Feb 13: The deadline set by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for the transfer of the undisputed land in Ayodhya is doomed to fail as the Supreme Court will begin hearing the Government's fresh petition on the issue from February 21. The VHP had given February 23 as its deadline.
The Parishad also begins its three-day meet in the Capital from February 21. The meeting has been called to chart out VHP's course of action for the construction of the Ram Temple. Though the crux of the Centre's fresh petition was an early resolution of the matter by the court, the February 21 date rules out any possibility of a solution before the deadline set by VHP. Against this backdrop, top BJP leaders will meet RSS leaders on Thursday. While the BJP will be represented by the party president and five general secretaries, Mr Madandas Devi and the second-in-command Mohan Bhagwat will represent RSS. The meeting will also discuss strategies for the forthcoming assembly elections.
Senior VHP leader Giriraj Kishore told The Pioneer on phone, "it now appears certain that the Government would not be handing over the land to the Ram Janambhoomi Nayas before our deadline ends. Naturally, the sants have to chart out new strategies."
The Union Government had filed a writ petition in the apex court about a week back requesting an early hearing and vacation of stay on a petition filed by Mohammad Aslam alias Bhure vs. Union of India. Sources said the Union Government was in no mood to request for a date before February 21.
Meanwhile, in another significant development, high-profile VHP general secretary Praveen Togadia was rebuffed by his own organisation. Contesting Mr Togadia's call for handing over of the entire 77 acre of acquired land in Ayodhya, VHP's senior vice-president Giriraj Kishore said here on Wednesday the VHP's demand was for the undisputed land only. He also refuted Togadia's assertions that India should support America in its war against Iraq.
"Top maango to tamancha milega (if you ask for a canon, you'll get a country-made pistol) - that is what Mr Togadia probably meant," Mr Kishore said. He clarified, "We are demanding 43 acre of undisputed land." Mr Kishore maintained that the future course of the Ram Janambhoomi agitation would be decided by the Dharam Sansad, which begins on February 22. The Marg Darshak Mandal will deliberate on the issue, he said. Asked if his organisation would adhere to the court's verdict or go by the Dharam Sansad, he quickly retorted, "Dharam Sansad."
Mr Kishore also said that what Mr Togadia said about possible American attack on Iraq were his personal views and did not reflect VHP's stand. He said the VHP only took a stand on issues concerning the interests of Hindus.
Bureau Report
