New Delhi:
The Supreme Court verdict in the communally sensitive case of Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya has put an end to BJP’s temple politics, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference, Surjewala said that the Congress party was in favour of Ram Temple’s construction and the verdict in Ayodhya title dispute has paved the way for it.
"Supreme Court's verdict has come. we are in favour of the construction of Ram Temple. This judgement not only opened the doors for the temple's construction but also closed the doors for BJP and others to politicise the issue," he said.
When prodded by the media if the Congress party was in favour of the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site, Surjewala said, "The verdict of the Supreme Court is already out. Obviously, answer to your question is yes. The Indian National Congress favours the construction of lord Rama’s temple."
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In a unanimous verdict, the five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday ruled that the disputed land will be given to Hindus as Muslim party failed to prove possessory title.
The court, however, has directed to allot a separate five acres land for Muslims to build a mosque. The apex court said the mosque should be constructed at a "prominent site". The site was occupied by the 16th century Babri mosque which was destroyed by Hindu extremists on December 6, 1992.
The Congress working committee also issued a statement, saying that it respects the verdict of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya case. "We appeal to all the parties concerned and all communities to abide by the secular values and spirit of fraternity enshrined in our Constitution and maintain peace," it added.
