Ayodhya verdict opens a new chapter for national integration: BJP

NEW DELHI - Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said that the Ayodhya verdict has opened “a new chapter for national integration” and “a new era of inter- community relations”.

Reading out a statement before the reporters on behalf of the BJP after convening a meeting of the party’s core group at his residence in Delhi after the court’s verdict, Advani said, “In so far as the judgement upholds the right of the Hindus to construct a temple , it is a significant step forward toward the construction of a grand temple of the birthplace of Lord Ram.”

“The expert opinion of the Archaeological Survey of India and other expert agencies engaged by it has clearly opined that there were remains of a Hindu religious structure where the disputed structure stood,” he stated.

“The BJP believes this verdict opens a new chapter for national integration and a new era of inter- community relations,” the statement stated and further added: “The BJP is gratified that the nation has received the verdict with maturity.”

Senior BJP leaders Murli Manohar Joshi, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitely, Rajnath Singh, M.Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar, Najma Heptullah and BJP President Nitin Gadkari were present in the meeting.

Earlier, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, appealed to people across the country and all sections of religious faith to observe solidarity and unity, and respect the three-way judgment of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case.

Addressing a news conference in the national capital, Bhagwat said: “The Allahabad High Court’s judgment should not be viewed as anyone’s victory or defeat. I appeal to all, including Muslims, that they should display national unity, as we have got an opportunity to express our unity through it.”

Bhagwat also said: “The judgment has cleared the way to build Ram temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace”.

The high court bench decided to divide the disputed 2.7 acres of land into three parts, with each of the three parties to the suit getting a part of it.

Hindus, the Sunni Waqf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara, will each get one part of the disputed land.

The ownership of the disputed land has been divided as follows: (1) Ram Lala, the birthplace of Lord Ram, given to Ram Lalla Virajman (2) Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabootra to Nirmohi Akhara and (3) The remaining part to be given to the Sunni Waqf Board.

Meanwhile, there will be a status quo in Ayodhya for three months during which a petition can be filed. (ANI)