Ayodhya’s Head Priest Issues Ram Mandir Ultimatum to PM Modi

VHP and RSS should withdraw their support to the PM in the 2019 elections if Ram Mandir issue isn’t solved.

“This ‘Dharam Sabha’ will not benefit the Ram Lalla issue and that is why I did not go,” says the Head Priest of Ram Janma Bhoomi. 

(Photo: The Quint)

The Quint met with the Head Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Acharya Satyendra Das, who is unhappy with the ‘Dharam Sabha’ held on 25th November.

He says he is upset with the organisers not because he wasn’t invited, but because attending the event wouldn’t have been beneficial. Only a confirmed decision of building a temple at this point, he says, will benefit him.

“BJP did not require this ‘Dharam Sabha’. If VHP actually wants Ram Mandir, it should pressurise the PM. Only an ordinance can help construct the temple. If  VHP, Bajrang Dal, or RSS speaks; it means it is BJP’s message. Only BJP can bring a change.” 

Acharya Satyendra Das, Head Priest, Ramjanmabhoomi

Saying that no compromise would now help, Acharya Das made it clear that only power of the government can build the much awaited temple, as it was the power alone that could destroy the mosque.

“It’s an easy task if the government actually wants this. [But] if  it’s not keen, then the work won’t finish. It could be either the power of court, ruling party, or it could be people’s power. Only power can help construct Ram Lalla’s temple.”

Acharya Satyendra Das, Head Priest, Ramjanmabhoomi

Echoing Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s sentiment, the Head Priest also said that if BJP fails to build a temple by 2019 then BJP will struggle to win the General election of 2019.

“Only BJP can do something. Let them put a pressure on BJP. VHP and RSS should withdraw their support to the PM in the 2019 elections if BJP does not solve the Ram Mandir issue. They should be against BJP in the elections if their demand is not fulfilled. What they did right now is useless. It will not benefit in any way. Only those in power can act upon this. This ‘Dharam Sabha’ was of no use.”

Acharya Satyendra Das, Head Priest, Ramjanmabhoomi