Hashim Ansari (94), the oldest litigant in the Ayodhya shrine dispute, stirred the proverbial hornets' nest in political circles on Wednesday saying he would not pursue the matter any further, and that he was ready for talks with the Prime Minister for peaceful negotiations in the matter if he promises to ensure punishment to the demolition accused.
"I am ready to come to the negotiation table with prime minister Narendra Modi, but before we start talking on this issue I want Modi to put the trial of Babri Masjid demolition accused on fast track," he said. "I want Ram Lalla (Lord Ram as an infant) to be "free," Ansari told reporters in Ayodhya.
Why is Ansari so bitter?
He has initiated efforts to work out a solution to the dispute through negotiations with top VHP leaders a number of times. But every time, the efforts are stonewalled by people with vested interests. He had started a similar effort even after the September 30, 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment in the case, pleading with the Muslim side not to go in for appeal in the apex court. But, it didn't work out.
What does Ansari's latest stand mean for the political parties involved?
There is a sense of joy in the saffron camp as the BJP and VHP see it as a small but long-awaited opening which could in the long run give them enough leeway to realize their dream of a "bhavya Ram mandir" (grand Ram temple) in Ayodhya. It would be a dream victory especially for Narendra Modi who is likely to get all the credit for the "breakthrough". Ansari's sudden "change of heart" is already being seen in political circles as a "master stroke" by Modi. The Muslim parties involved, as also the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, who seem to be non-plussed by the unexpected development.
What is the reaction to Ansari's queer posturing?
UP's Additional Advocate General and convenor, Babri Masjid Action Committee Zafaryab Jilani says Ansari is known to issue such statements in haste, it should not be taken seriously, and that this is not the first time Ansari has said this. Congress leader PL Punia says it's due to "political pressure". Mayawati wants an inquiry into the circumstances in which Ansari said this while the SP's Gaurav Bhatia, a legal eagle, says the BJP is unduly blowing up the issue, and "we should wait for the SC verdict".
Is Ansari getting support from any quarters?
All India Akhada Parishad chief Mahant Gyan Das of Ayodhya says VHP has always used the temple issue as a "dhandha" (business), and this could end if Ansari's position is honoured. VHP leader Vinod Bansal and BJP spokesman Siddharth Nath Singh say Ansari has opened up "a window of opportunity" for construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. BJP MP Adityanath has also welcomed the statement.
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