Demand for Ordinance on Ram temple grows within BJP, Sangh affiliates; Cong says wait for SC verdict

Demand for bringing an Ordinance for early construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya grew stronger on Monday within the BJP and various Sangh Parivar outfits, while the Congress called for restraint and awaiting the Supreme Court verdict without linking the issue with votebank politics.

Soon after the Supreme Court said the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute cases would be heard by an appropriate bench in the first week of January 2019, voices emerged within the BJP favouring early construction of the temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

BJP leader Vinay Katiyar alleged that the issue was being delayed "under pressure" from the Congress, which denied the charge.

"The decision is being delayed under pressure from the Congress. People like Kapil Sibal and Prashant Bhushan are pressing for delaying the issue. Till when will Ram bhakts (devotees) wait? In 2019, the Congress will come to know," he said.

His party colleague Sanjeev Baliyan said, "I am surprised at the priorities of the court. I am of the view that the Ram Temple should be constructed. The government should explore all possibilities."
Another Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "Everyone should patiently wait for the Supreme Court verdict. Congress party has stated that it will welcome and accept the Supreme Court verdict."
On allegations by some BJP leaders that the delay was under pressure from some Congress leaders, Chidambaram said, "The Supreme Court will decide when to hear the case. We don't decide when the court will hear the case."