'Ram temple issue may not click for BJP in 2019': Sharad Pawar


Mumbai, Dec 13 (PTI): A day after the BJP's poll debacle in three Hindi heartland states, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the Ram temple issue might not work in favour of the BJP again, unlike in the past, if it is raised ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

He alleged that the BJP may try to create a communal divide on the temple issue which is a "matter of concern".

The BJP is under pressure from its ideological mentor RSS, alliance partner Shiv Sena and Hindutva organisations which are demanding a parliamentary law or an ordinance for construction of Ram temple.

Sena MPs on Wednesday staged a protest in the Lok Sabha demanding immediate construction of the temple.

"The issue of Ram temple was used once in the past and the BJP stood benefited by it. In case they (the BJP) raise the issue again, people do not accept an issue twice... So, I don't think it (Ram temple) will benefit them (the BJP)," Pawar said.

The veteran politician was speaking to reporters after meeting scores of party workers who had gathered here to greet him on his 78th birthday.

The BJP, which was in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh since the last 15 years, lost to the Congress in the assembly polls, results for which were announced Tuesday. The Congress also looks set to form government in Rajasthan, ruled by the BJP until now.

Stating that people do not accept the same issue twice, Pawar referred to the general elections held post Emergency and the assembly polls held in Maharashtra over the issue of 'Samyukta (joint) Maharashtra' in 1950s and 1960s.

He said Indira Gandhi-led Congress had to taste defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha polls which was held after imposition of Emergency.

The Janata alliance of parties, opposed to the ruling Congress party, had won that elections riding on the anti-Congress wave.

"But that issue (Emergency) did not appeal to the people when the (Lok Sabha) elections were held again (in 1980)," he noted.

Pawar also recalled the Congress was defeated in Maharashtra in 1955-56 Assembly polls over the issue of the Samyukta Maharashtra.

"But in the 1962 Assembly polls, the Congress came back to power as people did not accept the Samyukta Maharashtra issue," he added.

In his annual Vijaya Dashmi rally held in Nagpur this October, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had demanded a law to pave the way for construction of the temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Many Hindu organisations have been demanding construction of the temple, as promised by the BJP before coming to power in 2014.

The BJP has been saying that it was committed to the construction of the temple, but is silent on bringing an ordinance in Parliament for the purpose.

The matter of Ayodhya title suits is currently pending in the Supreme Court.

  

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Comment on this article

  • j.anata, Mangaluru / Bengaluru

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    Actually the defeats in Rajasthan, MP and Chattisgarh should re-generate more enthusiasm from BJP ground level workers as also from the RSS cadre in these states to work harder for the May 2019 LS polls. Am sure they will press hard.

    DisAgree [5] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    Beti padao, beti bachavo slogan was being raised
    Cow vigilante’s squad & Ministry being introduced
    Lots of thrashing and lynching of innocents followed
    Criticism of Congress past rule was falsely highlighted
    Sanyasis, Yoga Gurus and Yogi Chapters freely promoted
    Dassault fighter jet contract to Ambanis was awarded
    Farmer’s plea, cry and difficulties not properly attended
    In two states BJP is standing on 1 seat i.e. on one foot (limping)
    what is remaining to blackmail people in coming election?
    Babaji ka thullu!
    Rogi was addressing yesteday the party members saying Congress won in MP/Rajastan on false promise of waiving farmers loan. And how BJP won most of the elections Rgiji ? Please clarify

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manohar, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    It is purely a dream that bjp attaining power in central again. Rather they have to struggle a lot to maintain their existence in india.
    Indians eat daal roti and not gobar.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sahil, Mangaluru

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    People need peace. Jobs. Acche din. People don't want fake promises.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    People are not interested in Temple or Masjid.
    Please deliver what you you had promised in 2014 or be prepared for "BJP Mukt Bharat" ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    Chai ki Dukhan Bandh..

    DisAgree Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    i opine, it is not da issue of temple or mosque. it is da wrong policies of chaiwala 2wards da poors & favouring da rich.

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rolf, Dubai

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    Dear Fequ & Daku please go ahead with your agenda bakath will belive you . at least you can win 2019 electon .
    Jai Sri Ram.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    People of India made it very clear that they choose democracy over Ali and Bajrang Bali.... Ram and Rahim!!

    DisAgree Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deva, Pilar

    Thu, Dec 13 2018

    Respect SC and wait for verdict, then all support whichever side wins.. never ever bring Ram Temple issue to lure Hindu Voters who are very smart, they want development not broken promises like 15 lac, Ram Temple etc.

    DisAgree Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse


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