Politicians across the spectrum on Saturday, 9 November, welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict on Ayodhya, calling it a “landmark” and “historic” judgment, while also appealing to people to maintain peace and unity in the country.
The leaders also said that the judgement was neither a victory nor a defeat for anyone.
The Supreme Court earlier, on Saturday, directed that Hindus would get the disputed land in Ayodhya subject to conditions. The inner courtyard will be handed over to a Centre-led Trust, and a suitable plot of land measuring five acres shall be given to the Sunni Waqf Board.
Glad Issue Resolved During NDA Tenure: BJP
BJP issued a statement in the light of the Ayodhya verdict, welcoming the latter, and called it “an example of all inclusive views representing all sections of the society”. The statement also said that the party was glad that the Ram Temple issue had been resolved during the NDA government’s tenure led by PM Modi.
BJP leaders had earlier in the day welcomed the verdict and appealed for maintenance of peace.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, welcomed the Supreme Court judgment on the Ayodhya land dispute and appealed to people to maintain unity and amity.
He also added that in UP, the government is committed to maintain peace and security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya is a landmark judgement which should be respected by all. He also tweeted, appealing to people “to maintain peace and harmony after this landmark verdict”.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa urged people of the state to "wholeheartedly welcome" the Supreme Court verdict in the sensitive Ayodhya land dispute case, and not to react "emotionally.
He said that the judgement was neither a victory nor a defeat for anyone.
‘Historic’ Judgment, Should Be Accepted With ‘Open Mind’
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, one of the key leaders to spearhead the movement, called the SC’s judgement in the case "historic" and said it should be accepted with an "open mind" by all communities, PTI reported.
BJP leader Uma Bharti said she met Advani to bow her head at his feet following the verdict and also praised late Vishwa Hindu Parishad stalwart Singhal for spearheading the movement.
Bharti said that Advani's devotion to the temple cause was at the root of the BJP's success and that the party would be coming back to power for another term, according to PTI.
Verdict Highlights ‘Truth and Justice’: RSS Chief
Meanwhile, asserting that the SC verdict on the Ayodhya issue highlighted “truth and justice”, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said it should not be seen as anybody’s victory or defeat.
Welcoming the unanimous decision of the five-judge apex court bench, Bhagwat said everybody should now forget the dispute, which had continued for many decades, and work together to build a Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
"We wanted the issue to end, this has happened. All sides (of the case) were evaluated and truth and justice have been highlighted," he said, according to PTI.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar hailed the verdict as “historic, balanced and judicious”.
"The judgment of the Honourable Supreme Court on Ayodhya is historic, balanced and judicious. I am sure that everyone will welcome it," said Javadekar, according to PTI.
Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the Supreme Court judgement should be welcomed and respected wholeheartedly.
“It’s our collective responsibility to strengthen unity, social harmony, brotherhood in the country,” he said, PTI reported.
The decision should not be seen as a victory or a loss for anyone, he said.
Home Minister Amit Shah Applauds Judicial System
In a series of tweets, Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah appealed to people of all communities and religions to accept the Supreme Court’s decision. He also applauded the judicial system.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday also hailed the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya, saying that the verdict had formally ended the dispute over the birthplace of Lord Ram.
"Everyone has accepted the verdict given by the Supreme Court. I appeal to Shiv Sainiks to celebrate the verdict without hurting anybody's sentiments," Thackeray said.
“Ayodhya Verdict Shouldn't Be Seen as Victory for Any Litigant”
In a statement, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said that while the judgment had provided a judicial resolution to this fractious issue, there are certain premises of the judgment which are "questionable".
"The Court judgment has itself stated that the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 was a violation of law. This was a criminal act and an assault on the secular principle," the CPI(M) said, according to PTI.
“The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) urges that there should be no provocative acts using the judgment, which will disrupt communal harmony,” according to the statement.
The Communist Party of India, meanwhile, said that the apex court had delivered a "reconciliatory" judgment.
"This should be seen in the larger perspective of ethics, justice and secularism. This should not be seen as a victory to any party or litigant and in the prevailing situation nobody should resort to any provocation," it said, according to PTI.
Congress Stresses on ‘Mutual Respect and Unity’
The Opposition too, appealed to all communities and parties to abide by secular values.
Rajinikanth: I Respect the SC Verdict
While addressing the media outside his residence in Poes Garden in Chennai, actor Rajinikanth requested everyone to accept the Supreme Court verdict. He added that, “people of all religions should strive hard for the wellness and growth of the country”.
Devendra Fadnavis Discusses Security With Maharashtra Guv
Meanwhile, recently resigned Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to discuss security arrangements in the wake of the verdict.
Ahead of the verdict, Section 144 was imposed in Maharashtra for 24 hours. The prohibitory orders will be lifted on Sunday, 10 November.
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, meanwhile, tweeted, ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
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