MM Vaidya says that the country was facing many security and economic challenges, and the RSS meet would seek valuable suggestions from its frontal organisations on both issues
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided not to raise the Ram temple issue during its three-day meeting that starts in Mathura's Vrindavan on Friday. The ideological mentor of the ruling BJP has instead decided to focus on economic and security challenges, besides better coordination with the government.
The All-India Coordination Committee meeting will be attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, besides Sangh affiliates such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.
"Since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, Ram temple is not on the agenda for discussion," said RSS Spokesperson MM Vaidya. He said that the country was facing many security and economic challenges, and the RSS meet would seek valuable suggestions from its frontal organisations on both issues.
The Supreme Court agreed last month to give an early hearing to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case. The case has been pending before the apex court since 2010 after the Allahabad High Court divided the disputed land equally between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Wakf Board.
In March, the top court had said that fresh attempts must be made by all parties for an out-of court settlement. The BJP's stated position is that temple construction should be done in a legal manner after mutual dialogue.
The RSS meet is also likely to discuss strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court's verdict on instant triple talaq and its "positive" impact in the Muslim community may also come up for discussion.
"It is a routine meeting which is generally held twice a year. Since the media is always curious about any RSS meeting, we are officially spelling out the agenda," said Vaidya.
The Babri mosque was demolished by karsevaks, who claimed it was built on Lord Ram's birthplace, on December 6, 1992, sparking one of India's worst communal riots. Senior BJP leaders LK Advani, MM Joshi and Uma Bharti and others are facing trial for criminal conspiracy.
The site — comprising 2.7 acres — remains disputed and a potent religious and political flashpoint. VHP has, however, announced it will hold a meeting in the first week of September to finalise the date for construction.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "RSS")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}