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JD(U) reaffirms support to BJP ahead of Ayodhya verdict

The Ayodhya verdict is certainly going to have major political ramifications for the country as a whole and the BJP-led NDA in particular.

While the BJP has directed its leaders to tread and speak cautiously regarding the Ram Temple issue, the alliance partners of the saffron party too have no plans for now to rock the boat.

JD(U) president Sharad Yadav reiterated his party's support to the BJP on Tuesday and said his party will remain in the NDA fold. Yadav's statement has come as a big relief to the BJP leaders at a time when the NDA is going to polls in Bihar and with sparks already flying over BJP bringing in Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's to campaign in the poll-bound state, sources in the BJP said.

In a calculated statement, Yadav said the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid issue could either be solved through negotiations or a court verdict that everybody should accept.
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is set to deliver the verdict in the controversial issue on September 24.

"Everyone is keenly awaiting what the three-judge Bench of the High Court decides in respect of the several title suits before the Court. At a Parliamentary Party meeting some days back, I advised all MPs not to indulge in any speculations about the possible verdict and whatever be the outcome, let the party reaction be restrained and low-key," Advani had written in his latest blog posting.

Although Sharad Yadav said that the issue should not be linked to politics, but analysts believe that once the verdict is out all political parties would have re-think of their strategy to keep their votebank intact.
Worried about the law and order problems following the ruling, Yadav said, "The party still abides by its stated stand on the issue. I appeal all parties to take accept the court verdict."

When asked whether the decision will have any bearing on BJP-JD (U) tie up in Bihar, Yadav remarked, "How the decision of September 24 is related to Bihar election?"

Not only political parties but also organisations like RSS are restraining to comment on the issue. "Hindu society in India wants to see a Ram temple in Ayodhya. I can give you my response to the court's judgement only after September 24. There is legal option available too. It will all depend on the judgement. But, our response will be within the limits of law and constitution. It will be in a democratic way. We will be striving to see that there will be a grand Ram temple on that site," said Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh.

Doves, not hawks
Earlier this month, a group of Ulemas met Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan in Mumbai to ask for strengthened security across the city fearing any untoward incident. Mahmood Dariyabadi, general secretary, All India Ulema Council, along with other community leaders, met the CM and expressed his concern. "We have decided that whatever is the court's judgment, it will be acceptable to us. Our community members have been asked not to take law in their hands. Even if we are unhappy with the verdict, we will approach the higher court, but not come on the streets and create a situation where human life is endangered," said Dariyabadi.