Ahead of Ayodhya verdict, PM Modi calls for balanced talk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said some people tried to generate tension before the Allahabad high court verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in 2010, by making irresponsible statements, but the government, political parties and civil society prevented attempts to create fissures. Modi’s remarks during his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday comes days ahead of the expected SC verdict on the dispute.

“Our nation has always been proactive in strengthening unity and communal harmony. If we look around, we will find many examples of individuals who have been working ceaselessly to foster communal harmony. But sometimes society’s efforts and contributions are wiped out from our collective memory,” he said. Referring to the run up to the September 30, 2010, HC verdict on Ayodhya he said, “various interest groups tried to take advantage of the situation and generate tension there was attempt to instill shrillness in the tone of different speakers. Some loudmouths and braggarts wanted to hog the spotlight.

We all know what kind of irresponsible talk floated around. The scenario continued for 5-10 days, but the court’s decision generated a surprise change of mood in the country,” the PM said. “The machinations generated tension” for a while, but when the verdict came, the government, parties, social organisations, civil society, all sects and saints were balanced in their statements.