New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a trust to oversee the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
“I am pleased to announce that a significant decision has been taken to follow the directives of the Supreme Court. As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet has prepared a detailed plan for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. My government has decided to set up a trust called Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha kshetra, which will take decisions independently on the construction of a Ram temple and related issues,” the PM told the Lok Sabha.
Earlier, the PM reached Parliament to make the announcement soon after a Cabinet meeting.
“Let us all support construction of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” he said, to desk-thumping and shouts of “Jai Shri Ram” from the government benches.
He said the decision was taken in line with the SC’s historic decision in November that the disputed land in Ayodhya belonged entirely to the deity Ram Lalla.
Sources said no political party is part of the temple trust.
Timing Row
With the PM’s announcement coming two days ahead of the Delhi election, questions have been raised about whether it was a violation of the model code of conduct.
However, the Election Commission said no permission was required because, going by the apex court order, the deadline for the trust is February 9 (Sunday, a day after voting in Delhi) and the government has to file a compliance report before this.
