New Delhi:
Ayodhya is back on the BJP's discussion table. The BJP top brass met on Friday and discussed its pet issue like it hasn't done in over a decade - whether the verdict will be deferred or delivered, and what the verdict can be.
What emerged from the meet was a strategy in departure from the shrill antagonistic moves of the 90s.
"BJP is of the considered opinion that judicial delays over last 61 years have contributed to the failure of the resolution of issue of construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. We hope that resolution of this issue is not delayed any further," senior party leader Arun Jaitley said.
This was to address twin motives, since the RSS wants the verdict to be out.
The BJP is signalling to the Public and the RSS that it was not part of the plan to defer the title suit verdict
The cautious middle path is the BJP's new mantra, as strident Hindutva campaign ends up consolidating the minority vote, benefiting the Congress.
The party knows that unlike the 90s, mobilisation of majority votes now is impossible.
The 2009 elections proved the middle class is now obsessed with development, not dharma, as indicated by Narendra Modi's appeal earlier this week.
"The cycle of development should be faster," said Modi.
Behind the BJP's decision is the RSS. Looking beyond the verdict and the disputed 2.7 acres, the RSS now plans to focus on the 67 acres around the disputed zone acquired by the Centre after the Babri demolition.