The BJP asserted that the issue of Ram Temple at Ayodhya is non-negotiable for the party in its manifesto for 2014 elections. (IE photo)

For BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi "shauchalaya" (toilets) come before "devalaya" (temples), but for the party it is the temple first. The BJP on Friday asserted that the issue of Ram Temple at Ayodhya is "non-negotiable" for the party in its manifesto for 2014 elections.

"BJP supports Ram Temple at Ayodhya. Our position on this is non-negotiable," said Murli Manohar Joshi, chairman of BJP's manifesto drafting committee, while launching a website (www.bjpelectionmanifesto.com) to source suggestions from various sections across society.

This assertion was made by Joshi after he inadvertently said that "everything will be reviewed" based on the suggestions received for the 2014 manifesto. In the 2009 elections, the party had outlined its commitment to its core issues of Ram Temple, Article 370 and Common Civil Code.

"Everything will be reviewed, if this is suggested. If there is an overwhelming demand, we are not fools not to review it. We are not a closed party, we are open to suggestions," Joshi told reporters at the party headquarters, indicating the BJP's willingness to revise its 2009 manifesto.

However, when reporters pinned him down on party's core issues, the veteran parliamentarian, who has regularly been drafting party manifestos, asserted that Ram Temple was not negotiable and neither were the other core commitments of the party.

"As of now, our stand is what was there in the 2009 manifesto," Joshi said when posed with queries whether the party's position on Ram Temple, Article 370 and Common Civil Code were negotiable in the wake of suggestions received. "If there are better ideas for the welfare of country, they are always welcome," he clarified.

"We are planning to interact will all sectors and hold interactions outside Delhi in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad among others. We will also invite industry associations for their suggestions," Joshi said. He indicated that party expects a huge chunk of suggestions by November 30 after which it will unveil draft manifesto for feedback before coming out with the final manifesto.

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