New Delhi, December 1: Days after the grand show of strength by the Shiv Sena and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Ayodhya, the saffron camp was bracing for a similar turnout on the first-day of RSS Sankalp Yatra, flagged off from the Jhandewalan temple in the national capital. While the organisers had expected lakhs of protesters, only a few dozens joined the march, reports said.

According to NDTV, the turnout was nearly around 100 -- causing a major embarrassment to the Swadeshi Jagran Manch -- the RSS' wing which has planned the 10-day yatra culminating at the Ramlila Maidan on December 9. RSS Begins 10-Day 'Sankalp Rath Yatra' in New Delhi, Seeks Ordinance For Construction for Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The march is aimed at pressuring the central government to find alternative ways for early construction of Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Manch's co-convenor Kamal Tewari sounded optimist on the success of Sankalp Yatra despite the poor turnout. While speaking to reporters, Tiwari said their workers from only a particular segment joined the demonstration today. In the next couple of days, SJM cadres from all parts of the nation would arrive, he further said, adding that 6-8 lakh people would be present at the Ramlila Maidan by next Sunday.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch has demanded the Centre to enact a law a grand temple construction at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi -- where Babri Masjid was razed 27 years ago. The title suit for the land is currently being heard by the Supreme Court -- which has postponed the proceedings till January, 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 01, 2018 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).