Photo of BJP MP from Unnao, Sakshi Maharaj.
BJP parliamentarian Sakshi Maharaj today declared that the Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya under the BJP-led government at the Centre, which has "four more years to go", drawing sharp criticism from opposition Congress.
"It is certain that Ram Mandir will be constructed under the BJP rule. We have completed just one year in power, four more years are to go," Sakshi Maharaj said. "If Ram temple is not built under BJP rule, will it be constructed under a Congress dispensation? Will (SP chief) Mulayam or (BSP leader) Mayawati build it?"
The 58-year-old Lok Sabha MP's assertions came even as a top leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad said the Narendra Modi government had been voted to power not only to usher in development but also to deliver on the "core issues," including a grand Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
VHP spokesman and national general secretary Surendra Jain said the Modi government should be prepared to "face the consequences" like the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA dispensation if it did not deliver on core issues.
"People want their aspirations (of building Ram temple) fulfilled. Vajpayee government failed to fulfil this aspiration and was voted out. BJP will not like to repeat the mistake," Mr Jain told PTI.
He said the VHP, which constituted a panel of monks for negotiations to "find a way forward" for the construction of the temple, was confident that PM Modi will resolve the issue.