BJP invokes Ram temple, Vajpayee to woo UP

LUCKNOW: BJP on Friday raked up the Ram Temple issue and invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as part of its strategy to make a comeback in Uttar Pradesh with party chief Nitin Gadkari ruling out having truck with any party for next year's Assembly polls.

"While in Lucknow, just about a few kilometers away from Ayodhya, we have an occasion to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of Ram and strive for bringing about a true Rama Rajya.

"We are committed to building a grand temple of Ram at Ayodhya. We rededicate ourselves to the cause of establishing a Ram rajya in Uttar Pradesh and the entire country," Gadkari said, addressing the inaugural session of the two-day National Executive Meet.

Briefing reporters about Gadkari's speech, BJP Chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said Gadkari also referred to the recent High Court verdict.

"The High Court verdict had said that the place which Hindus believe is the birthplace of Ram Lalla belongs to the Hindus." The matter is now pending in the Supreme Court.

Prasad, however, maintained that the Ram temple issue is not a political matter for the BJP. He said Gadkari has sought the support of all sections of society for building a grand Ram temple.

Gadkari also tried to strike an emotional cord with the people and the party cadre by referring to contributions made by Vajpayee.

"I had met Vajpayeeji yesterday. He has represented Lucknow seat five times," Gadkari said.

Prasad said Gadkari announced that there would be "no alliance whatsoever with SP, BSP or Ajit Singh's party (RLD) before or after the polls".