The Babri Masjid stood on land where a Ram temple is believed to have been present. (Photo: India Today file)

Saints have called a series of meetings to increase pressure on the Centre to bring legislation in Parliament for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Speaking to India Today, president of Ayodhya Sant Sabha, Mahant Kanhaiya Das said, "On 25th November a meeting of prominent saints has been called in Ayodhya to push our demand for construction of Ram Temple through a legislation in Parliament. A meeting will also be held in Bangalore and Delhi. During the beginning of Kumbh Mela next year, saints from across the country will gather in Prayagraj to decide the future course of action if the government fails to take any decision on Ram Temple."

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharad Sharma said, "After the meeting of saints in Ayodhya, Nagpur and Bangalore on 25th November, another gathering will take place in Delhi on 9th December. However during the Kumbh Mela thousands of devotees of Lord Ram including top Hindu priests will assemble in Ayodhya on 31st Jan-1st February and will be taking a strong stand for Ram Mandir if their demands are not fulfilled."

Interestingly Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will also be visiting Ayodhya on November 25 and is likely to meet the saints gathering there.

Responding to the meeting called by the saints, Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari said, "This meeting has no relevance as this matter will only be settled by the Supreme Court. The final judgement needs to be accepted by people from all sections of society."

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member and convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee Jafaryab Jilani said, "This is a well planned strategy of the BJP and RSS to keep the Ram Mandir movement alive through the saints. It's being done for polarisation ahead of the elections."

The Congress party has also accused the BJP of using the name of Lord Ram for political gain.

"The BJP doesn't want to speak about issues like development promises, unemployment and people who have suffered due to demonetisation in the last two years. Whenever elections are approaching, the BJP rakes up the Ram temple issue for political advantage," said UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh.

Meanwhile Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Hero Bajpai said, "The BJP is committed to its promise of Ram temple construction in Ayodhya and that will be done lawfully. Since our government has come to power, people belonging to the holy city have seen development and it's being applauded by everyone."

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