Sangh changes tune, rallies behind Acharya

The change became discernible after RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan called on Kanchi Kamakoti Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati at Chennai yesterday. Sudarshan stated after the meeting that that he did not see any ‘‘real’’ differences between the seer and the VHP over the formula sent by him to the AIMPLB for a solution of the Ayodhya issue.

Sangh spokesperson Ram Madhav summed up the situation when he declared: ‘‘After the meeting with the Shankaracharya, we came to the conclusion that we sail in the same boat.’’

The VHP, which had earlier questioned the credentials of the Shankaracharya for brokering a deal on behalf of the entire Hindu community after being kept out of the loop, changed its tune today. VHP vice-president Acharya Giriraj Kishore said: ‘‘We have not seen the formula. If Sudarshanji has seen the proposal and he is satisfied with it, well, it would be acceptable to us too. He knows what would satisfy us. We would welcome a solution from any quarter provided it does not compromise the self-respect of Hindus. There should be no mention of the Kashi and Mathura shrines, which are not negotiable for us. There is no question of offering 1,000 ISI-protected mosques to Muslims for prayers and reservations for them in jobs and education.’’ Since the Shankaracharya proposal neither mentions Mathura and Kashi, nor the 1,000 mosques, the VHP would obviously have no problem accepting the deal.

Contrary to the recent inclination of VHP leaders to call BJP leaders names, general secretary Pravin Togadia appeared much kinder yesterday. Speaking to journalists at Nagpur, he blamed NDA for non-implementation of the Hindu agenda. He also downplayed the VHP’s criticism of Vajpayee and Advani, arguing it was only in a particular context.

More than a participation in negotiations, the VHP is keen on being assigned the task of temple construction. It has a ready stock of carved pillars, slabs and bricks, besides money, to undertake the construction. BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu has already given a word to Sudarshan that the VHP would be roped in for the construction of the temple. The Government, in any case, has to assign the task to the Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas, headed by Mahant Ramchandradas Paramhans. The body, includes several Parishad leaders, including working president Ashok Singhal.

There is a strong logic motivating the Parivar now. From Sudarshan to Advani and Ashok Singhal, everyone realises that they are in the best position today to clinch a deal with Muslims over the temple. If they succeed, they would have a major achievement to their credit. If they falter, they may rue the moment.