New Delhi: Ram Mandir has featured in every Lok Sabha manifesto released by the BJP since 1996, the first Lok Sabha polls since the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of 1992 which eventually led to the demolition of Babri Masjid and propelled the BJP to electoral success.

The promise to build a grand Ram Mandir has been the only consistent promise made by the BJP in its election manifestoes, even while the 'manifesto' itself underwent changes and came to be referred to by the party as a 'Sankalp Patra'.

Starting from 1991 when the slogan of 'Mandir wahin bayenge' was offered to the masses, the BJP first mentioned Ram Mandir in its manifesto released just before the general elections of 1996.

In light of the ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, here’s a timeline of the BJP manifestoes since the 1996.

1996 Lok Sabha polls

In its election manifesto, the BJP “reiterated its commitment to facilitate the construction of a magnificent Ram temple at Janmasthan in Ayodhya on coming to power as this dream moves millions of people in our land; the concept of Ram lies at the core of their consciousness.”

1998 Lok sabha polls

“The BJP is committed to facilitate the construction of a magnificent Shri Ram Mandir at Ram Janmasthan in Ayodhya where a makeshift temple already exists. Shri Ram lies at the core of Indian consciousness. The BJP will explore all consensual, legal and constitutional means to facilitate the construction of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.”

2004 Lok Sabha polls

“The BJP reaffirms its commitment to the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.”

2009 Lok Sabha polls

“There is an overwhelming desire of the people in India and abroad to have a grand temple at the birth place of Sri Ram in Ayodhya. The BJP will explore all possibilities, including negotiations and judicial proceedings, to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.”

2014 Lok Sabha polls

“BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.”

2019 Lok Sabha polls

"We reiterate our stand on Ram Mandir. We will explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution and all necessary efforts to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya."

Apart from the Lok Sabha polls, Ram Mandir also recently featured in the manifesto released just before 2012 and in the recently held UP assembly polls

2017 UP Assembly polls

“BJP reiterates its position on Ram Temple – Party will explore every possibilities under constitutional provision for construction of Ram Temple.”