NEW DELHI: Sharp differences over how to tackle on tensions Ayodhya issue satin to plague the Congress ids strong rumors that the inion government has reached some sort of an understanding over the controversy with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This is because the Congress resident P.V. Narasimha Rao reported to have indicated his desire to allow the controversy find a solution in the courts despite stiff opposition from many senior Congress leader including Arjun Singh who wants ne government to go firmly.
Raos considered opinion is that the government should not repeat the mistake of attempting to solve the emotive and sensitive controversy through an impulsive administrative action. Besides he is reported to have expressed the view that the government should not take any action which would assume to pave followed the pressures of the Opposition.
Sources explain that the Congress would continue to indulge in its familiar rhetoric against the BIP but its government would not precipitate any crisis by cither dismissing the Uttar Pradesh government or by initiating steps to acquire the disputed land.
On the other hand the BJP ruled Uttar Pradesh government would reiterate its commitment to protect the disputed Ramjamambhoomi-Babri Masjid structure while simultaneously allowing the Vishwa Hindu Parisha to continue with the construction of the Singh Adwa and Naita Grikya of the proposed Ram temple.
Commenting on the ground realities a ruling party leader recalled the Congress stand on the controversy. Saying that the party has always advocated an amicable settlement failing which the issue be resolved by the response he said why should we burn our fingers by making Ayodhya political issue? Let it remain a legal issue and be decided by the courts.
However staunch anti-BJP leaders in the Congress are not happy with the Prime Ministers oft approach. They want the government take advantage if the anti-BJP scenario pre railing in all non-BJP political circle by sending a communication or directive to the Uttar Pradesh government asking it to immediately stop the construction work And if the BJP government does not comply with the directive the Center must initially utilize Article 256 before taking sterner steps like invoking Article 356.
This suggestion has not found favor with the Prime Minister who is reported to be even against another proposal which pertains to the acquisition of the entire disputed area.
Congress leaders who toe the| Rao Tine on the issue explain that the acquisitions Formulas] was not only a tedious process but also impractical because the Center cannot support a Union territory at Ayodhya. Besides this section of the party feels that it would be politically suicidal for the Congress to acquire the land as it would then be responsible for maintaining Jawan order in an area which is essentially thronged by sadhus and sants.
In fact the recent order of the Allahabad High Court on the present construction activities at Ayodhya seems to have relieved the Congressmen as much as it relieved the BJP.
Congressmen point out the success of Raos strategy of keeping and thereby having saved the government from certain political difficulties. Our strategy is clear. Let the judiciary act said a Congress leader asserting that the only other alternative was to work out some Kind of settlement or package as Indias led by the Union home — minister S.B.Chavan. .
Article extracted from this publication >> July 24, 1992
