Ayodhya: Bajrang Dal is set to recruit 25,000 volunteers for Ram Mandir march

Iqbal Ansari, the petitioner in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 14, demanded security for the Muslims in Ayodhya and his family members.

He accused the VHP of trying to create a December 6, 1992-like atmosphere in Ayodhya. Iqbal Ansari said in view of the proposed VHP rally (dharam sabha) in Ayodhya on November 25.

“Instead of gheraoing the Vidhan Sabha, the VHP is organising a rally in Ayodhya. They are trying to create a 1992-like atmosphere here. No one from the district administration has contacted us to ensure our safety and security,” said Iqbal.

Iqbal’s father Hashim Ansari, was one of the oldest litigants in the case. Hashim Ansari died in 2016 and Iqbal Ansari became a party to the case after that.

“When the case (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid) is pending in the Supreme Court, what is the point in holding the rally in Ayodhya?” Iqbal said.

“Muslims of Ayodhya are apprehensive about their security. If the state government fails to assure the safety of the Muslim community and my family members, we will have no option but to leave Ayodhya,” said Iqbal.

Bajrang Dal to recruit 25,000 volunteers

As the BJP leaders are pushing for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya through legislation, the Bajrang Dal is all set to recruit 25,000 volunteers for a movement to be launched in Ayodhya.

Issuing a statement to the media, Bholendra, the secretary of Awadh region in the VHP said, "The Bajrang Dal will be recruiting 25,000 volunteers by December 18 and events are already being organised in 100 locations in the Awadh region. These volunteers will be ready to march to Ayodhya anytime for Ram mandir construction on the orders of the top saints."

Responding to the recruitment drive by Bajrang Dal with support of the VHP, UP cabinet minister Srikant Sharma said, "These kinds of programmes are carried out by different groups for expansion. The BJP is committed towards its promise of Ram mandir construction. However, everyone wants to know the stand of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his party over the Ayodhya dispute. Gandhi is a fake and his temple visits are politically motivated."

Karni Sena supports the Ram Mandir movement

The Sri Rajput Karni Sena on Wednesday, Novemeber 14, reiterated its demand for construction of a palace for Lord Ram, instead of a temple, at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Rajput Karni Sena patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi, who was in Ayodhya on Wednesday, said: “We are kshatriyas (Rajputs). All Rajputs are descendants of Lord Ram, who was also a kshatriya. Lord Ram was born in King Dashrath’s palace and not in any temple,” Kalvi said.

“So, we are demanding construction of a magnificent palace at the disputed site in Ayodhya for Lord Ram instead of Ram Mandir,” said Kalvi.

Construction of a palace for Lord Ram is an old demand of the Karni Sena.

Ayodhya Station to remodelled to look like Ram Temple

The BJP MP Lallu Singh performed ‘bhoomi pujan’ for remodelling of Ayodhya railway station. The railway station will resemble the proposed Ram temple.

“The Ayodhya railway station will be one of the finest in the country. It will resemble the proposed Ram Mandir. After deboarding at the railway station, people will feel they have reached Lord Ram’s birth place,” said Singh.