Rajiv promised Ram Mandir: Subramanian Swamy

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy addresses a seminar on Saturday at Delhi University on the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. — PTI

During a two-day seminar on the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said, “Rajiv Gandhi had personally assured me that the Ram temple will be built and whenever he gets an opportunity, he will also help. It was Mr Gandhi who allowed telecast of the TV serial Ramayana, which created excitement among masses. Mr Gandhi also permitted the Shilanyas. He had started his election campaign for the 1989 elections from Faizabad and said that there should be a Ram Rajya in the country. I hope the Congress will also come forward and support as this is not just our demand but that of the country.”

The BJP leader hinted that after Ram Temple, two more temples will be constructed, one at Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Krishna Temple in Mathura. “In our country, over 40,000 temples have been demolished, we never say that all those should be reconstructed. But there will be a compromise on these three,” Mr Swamy said.

Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Krishna temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple. If the Ram temple is constructed there will be an easy way for others, discussions can be done but not compromise,” the BJP leader said.

He blamed political parties and organisations for creating hurdles in the construction of the temple. “The Union government, in an affidavit way back in 1991, and several Muslims leaders had committed that if it is proved that there was a temple earlier, they will let us reconstruct it there. Now why are they opposing the construction of Ram temple ” he asked.

He assured the audience that nothing will be done forcibly or against the law. “The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is ‘mandatory’ for the revival of our culture. We have started and we will not give up until it is made but nothing will be done forcibly and against the law. We have full faith that we will win in the court,” added Mr Swamy.

While Mr Swamy was addressing the seminar, hundreds of protesters from different students’ wings staged protests outside the venue.