Ram temple issue : VHP invites 2 accused in Babri Masjid demolition as key speakers at Dharma Sabha

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has invited two of the accused persons in Babri Masjid demolition case—former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti and Ram Katha narrator Sadhvi Ritambhara—to share the stage with other VHP leaders in Ayodhya on November 25.

They are the key speakers at the event, said a VHP leader who is currently supervising preparations for the upcoming Dharma Sabha in Ayodhya.

The former BJP MP from Pratapgarh Lok Sabha seat, Vedanti is a senior executive member of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas—an organisation formed as a trust to promote and oversee the construction of a temple in Ayodhya. He also heads the Vashisth Peeth located in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. A native of Rewa district Madhya Pradesh, Vedanti was accused of inciting karsevaks who demolished the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.

Similarly, Sadhvi Ritambhara who heads the women wing of the VHP, Durha Vahini, was indicted by the Liberhan Commission that probed the Babri demolition case.

According to the findings of the Commission, Ritambhara was culpable for leading the country “to the brink of communal discord” during the Ram temple movement.

A fire brand speaker, Ritambhara was one of the key leaders who were responsible for the women’s participation in Ram temple movement in 1992.

Confirming the participation of Vedanti and Ritambhara, VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma said Vedanti is participating as a saint, not politician.

“Why shouldn’t he participate? He is a known Shiv katha narrator and renowned Ram Bhakt. He has devoted his whole life to propagate the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. It is a cause which is associated with the faith of millions of Hindus,” pointed out Sharad Sharma.

Sharma said Ritambhara is participating at Dharma Sabha as the head of the Param Shakti Peeth.

VHP sources told NH that plans are on to bring together all those seers who participated or witnessed demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, at Dharma Sabha on November 25.

Apart from Vedanti and Ritambhara, chief of the Ramjanmbhoomi Nyas, Nritya Gopal Das and the chief priest of Ramjanmbhoomi, Satyendra Das, are expected to share the dais with the VHP international vice-president, Champat Rai at the event.