Togadia asks PM Modi to bring legislation to build Ram temple

Senior VHP leader Pravin Togadia said the BJP had passed a resolution and made a promise for construction of Ram temple way back in 1997

Senior VHP leader Pravin Togadia on Sunday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring in a legislation in Parliament for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"I am confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fulfil his promise as well as his party's resolution for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and that he will immediately prepare a Central legislation in Parliament to this effect," the VHP International working president told reporters.

He was here to participate in a meeting of VHP volunteers.

"Somnath temple (in Gujarat) was built on initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and with the consent of Muslims apart from a court verdict and wishes of the common people and then government," the international working president of VHP said.

He said the BJP had passed a resolution and made a promise for construction of Ram temple way back in 1997.

"The BJP has majority now and I hope prime minister will work for it (construction of temple)" he said.

He said VHP and the RSS are not working for strengthening Hindutva.

"Hindutva lies in hearts of all Hindus," he added.

Togadia said his organisation is working to eradicate untouchablity.

He said VHP has launched a programme to provide free medication and education to poor.

"A toll free number (18602333666) is put up. Poor Hindus can call this number and they will be provided with free consultation and treatment by private doctors in Hyderabad city the next day (of calling)," Togadia said.

Meanwhile, Togadia evaded a direct reply to a query on remarks made by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi wherein he refused to say "Bharat Mata ki Jai".

"We will react on it at the right time," he said.

Telangana state unit president of VHP Rama Raju and other leaders were present at the meet.