Pune students on Ayodhya verdict: ‘Govt should now focus on development’

Akshay Chavan, a 24-year-old student, said, “The matter was pending for a long time. I believe that on the basis of this agenda, parties had run their political course. Like if you are pro-Ram temple, then you garner one set of votes and if you are not, then you were sure to get another set of votes. I think the entire prospect of the Ayodhya issue being a reason to attract votes will finally come to an end.”

Avanti Dhaighude, 22, said, “The Ayodhya dispute was the election agenda for the ruling party… After the verdict now, the government should focus its attention on the poor economic state, unemployment, and agrarian crisis, which is on the rise.”

Adharsh Thangamani, (20), said, “A place of worship should remain a place of worship, regardless of the location. It is the belief that matters and not the hard material in front of you. The youth are so radicalised by this. There is so much unemployment, there is nothing for them to do and they do not have any identity for themselves.”

“I think the verdict is a smart one, which even at its core, is a property law dispute, but gives due consideration to the sentiments of millions involved. The most important thing from here on should be peace and composure, with every representative of any of the stakeholders carefully selecting their words and making sure they are not inciting violence,” said 20-year-old Devesh Kapoor.

Gaurav Phatangare, 22, said, “The Ayodhya verdict was declared today and the people have accepted the decision of the court and have shown the philosophy of unity.”

“I do not agree 100 per cent with the SC’s verdict. It is a safe decision, nonetheless, but not the appropriate one according to me,” said Amar Kate, 20.

Rutuja Marale, a student, said, “It’s a historic decision but has taken a lot of time, money and energy of successive governments. Instead of focusing on governance, this issue took away a lot of time of the governments of the day. The political parties also used it for garnering votes. In the end, the nation suffered as governments could not concentrate on fully pushing development. Hereafter, I think the governments of the day will be able to devote more time for bringing about all-round development of the country.”