New Delhi, January 2: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ruled out the possibility to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya before the Supreme Court's verdict, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday reiterated its demand for legislation. The VHP said a verdict on Ram temple will not be delivered by the Supreme Court anytime soon, adding that it will continue its campaign for the cause.

"We cannot wait for an eternity. The Supreme Court hearing on Ram temple will not take place anytime soon as a bench has not been formed. We urge the government to bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya," VHP leader Alok Verma told media. When asked about the VHP's reaction on PM Modi's statement, Verma said the organisation will continue to persuade the prime minister.

Speaking on the VHP's future course of action, Verma said saints will chalk out a strategy. "A Dharam Sansad will be held during Kumbh where saints will decide what to do next," the VHP leader said. The demand for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya gained momentum late last year after the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing on the Ayodhya case pertaining to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute till January 2019.

In an interview broadcast by various television channels, PM Modi was asked about the demand by Hindutva groups for an ordinance for a Ram temple in Ayodhya. To this, Modi said, "Let the judicial process take its own course. Don't weigh it in political terms. Let the judicial process be over. After the judicial process is over, whatever be our responsibility as government, we are ready to make all efforts."

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) hailed PM Modi's statement, calling it a 'positive step'. "We see the Prime Minister's statement on Ram Mandir as a positive step towards building the temple. His statement is in accordance with the Palampur resolution of BJP in 1989," said the RSS in a statement.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2019 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).