The RSS is solidly behind the BJP decision not to rake up Ayodhya in the forthcoming assembly elections. Its spokesperson, Ram Madhav, explains to Outlook why it is important, at least for the time being, not to rekindle the issue. Excerpts:
The VHP and the BJP seem united on Ayodhya. At the same time, some VHP leaders attack the BJP for not being serious on the temple front. Is it part of a Sangh design to keep the electorate confused in the assembly polls?
Is it because Ayodhya doesn't fetch electoral dividends any more?
Do you then agree there is no popular support for the temple movement?
Will those kar sevaks, who made sacrifices for the movement, have to wait for a politically convenient moment for the BJP to build the temple?
At the time of the rath yatra, the BJP and Sangh leaders publicly expressed disregard for the courts, state administration and other democratic institutions. How have you suddenly acquired such respect for democracy?