On Ayodhya, don't make unnecessary comments, Modi tells BJP ministers
What's the story
No matter what the outcome of sensitive Ayodhya case is, you shall not make unnecessary comments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told BJP ministers on Wednesday. Considering how loud-mouthed BJP netas can get, especially when talking about fragile issues, this advice (read order) from PM Modi is highly welcome. But the question is: Will BJP leaders follow the diktat? Let's see.
Context
After years, countdown for Ayodhya verdict has started
The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, which pertains to 2.77 acres of land in the Uttar Pradesh town, took a violent turn in 1992 when Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu activists, prompting riots. In 2010, Allahabad High Court split the land equally among Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhada, and deity Ram Lalla. The claimants then went to Supreme Court, starting a long-drawn legal battle.
Relation
Now, let's understand BJP's relationship with Ayodhya
In the 1980s, BJP, which was a fairly new party then, fanned sentiments and made the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed plot one of its core ideologies. In fact, after BJP won polls in 2014, and UP assembly polls in 2017, those wanting the temple urged the party to act immediately. However, BJP's top brass has always maintained that they would wait for the court's verdict.
Verdict
Before CJI Gogoi's retirement, verdict will be out
A five-judge constitutional bench, headed by Chief Justice of Ranjan Gogoi, heard the matter daily from August, and concluded it in October. The verdict will be out on or before November 17. As the D-Day is approaching, security has been increased in Ayodhya, and people stopped from taking out processions. Earlier, Ayodhya's District Magistrate said no one would be allowed to disrupt harmony.
Order
Maintain harmony, don't make controversial remarks: Modi
Yesterday, PM Modi held a detailed meeting with his council of ministers and touched various topics, including Ayodhya verdict and cleanliness. Sources told PTI that ministers were directed to refrain from making controversial statements. PM Modi also told them that the verdict shouldn't be seen "through the prism of victory and defeat." Earlier, BJP Working President JP Nadda had issued a similar notice.
Details
In "Mann ki Baat", PM reminded what happened in 2010
Recently, in one of his episodes of Mann ki Baat, PM Modi noted that when HC gave its verdict years ago, government, political parties, and civil society derailed attempts to destabilize the situation. He said the same should happen this time too. Earlier, BJP's ideological mentor RSS reached out to prominent Muslim leaders. The discussions were held at Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's Delhi residence.
Battle
Separately, senior Muslim cleric said SC's verdict will be respected
In the run-up for the verdict, several senior leaders have called for peace. Earlier, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani said Muslims will respect it. "We did not take to streets but chose to fight a legal battle. We think it will be in our favor. But we have said it a thousand times that the country, law, and SC is ours," he said.