‘Wait has been worthwhile': Advani on eve of Ram mandir ‘bhoomi pujan’

BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani expressed happiness that his dream, which took a long time, was finally getting fulfilled. “The wait has been worthwhile,” the ageing leader said in a statement released on the eve of Ram Temple bhoomi pujan ceremony.

The 92-year-old had carried out a yatra for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya that set off a chain of events, resulting in the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and in the process changing the polity of the country. There has been intense speculation as to why Advani, who has been central to Ram Temple agitation, was not extended invitation to attend the ceremony which will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his statement, Advani did not refer to the controversy, nor did he give any clue about the invite.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is laying the foundation for the construction of Shri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ram. It is indeed a historical and emotional day not only for me, but for all Indians. A grand Mandir for Shri Ram at Ram Janmabhoomi has been a desire and mission for the Bharatiya Janata Party,” Advani said.

In an emotional statement, Advani said, “Sometimes significant dreams in one’s life take a long time to fruition, but when they are finally realised, the wait becomes very worthwhile. One such dream, close to my heart, is now getting fulfilled.”

When Advani took out the yatra in 1990, it had a polarising effect on the Indian society as it mobilised the majority community which made BJP the major political force in the country today. Modi had assisted Advani in running the yatra at that time.

“I feel humbled that during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, destiny made me perform a pivotal duty in the form of the Ram Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990, which helped galvanise the aspirations, energies and passions of its countless participants,” Advani said.

“On this auspicious occasion, I want to express my gratitude to the scores of saints, leaders and people from India and the world over who made valuable contributions and sacrifices in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.”

The senior BJP politician, who saw his role diminished as new leaders emerged in the party, said, “I am also very happy that due to the decisive verdict of the Supreme Court in November 2019, the construction of Shri Ram Mandir is getting started in an environment of tranquility. This will go a long way in strengthening the bond between Indians.”

“Shri Ram occupies an esteemed place in India’s cultural and civilizational heritage and is an embodiment of grace, dignity and decorum. It is my belief that this temple will inspire all Indians to imbibe his virtues,” Advani said.

Advani, appeared to give a word of advice, which has been the hallmark of his statements and letters, said, “Ram temple will represent India as a strong, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious nation with justice for all and exclusion of none so that we can truly usher in Ram Rajya, the epitome of good governance.”