Ram Mandir date: RSS clarifies that 2025 is completion date
What's the story
After critics claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) was pushing the date for the construction of the Ram Mandir to 2025 to give relief to the BJP ahead of the elections, the Hindu organization has issued a clarification. Dismissing the criticism, the RSS clarified that 2025 had been set as the completion date for the temple, not the start date. Here's more.
Buzz
RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi's comments had been misconstrued
Earlier on Thursday, RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi created a buzz when he set the date for the construction of the Ram Mandir to 2025. People quickly assumed that the RSS had pushed the date for the start of the temple's construction, and critics hit out at the RSS over the presumed delay. Many said that the RSS was trying to ease pressure on the ruling BJP government.
Quote
An example of the criticism levelled at the RSS
Among such critics was UP Congress spokesperson Kishore Varshney, who said, "The BJP and the RSS have no interest in the construction of Ram temple. They only want to play with the sentiments of Hindus to ensure support in elections."
Clarification
Both RSS and Joshi issued clarifications
Taken aback at the criticism, the RSS, on Friday, clarified that Joshi had set 2025 as the year on which the temple's construction would be completed. The organization said that 2025 had been set as the deadline as the temple's construction would take at least five years. Joshi, too, claimed that he had been misquoted by media about the temple construction date.
Timing
Meanwhile, the Ayodhya title dispute is yet to be resolved
The furore comes at a time when the Narendra Modi-led NDA government has ruled out passing an ordinance for the construction of the temple in the near future. The government has said that it will take "necessary steps" after the judicial process surrounding the Ayodhya title dispute is over. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 29.