Lucknow, November 18: In an apparent criticism, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Uttar Pradesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the delay in construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Saying that God is beyond the Constitution, BJP leader Surendra Singh asked PM Modi and Adityanath why Lord Ram was living in a tent despite the two holding powerful positions in the government.

"We have a great Prime Minister like Modi Ji and a great Chief Minister like Yogi Ji, who are both believers of Hinduism. But unfortunately, during their governance, Lord Ram stays in a tent. This is unfortunate for India and the Hindu society. One should create such situation that Ram Temple must be created in Ayodhya itself," Surendra Singh told media. "God is beyond the Constitution. There should be no delay. Ram Temple should be constructed in its designated place Ayodhya," he added. Ayodhya Act 1993: When Congress Passed Law For Construction of Ram Mandir And BJP Opposed it.

A number of BJP ministers including Yogi Adityanath have seconded a demand by Hindu seers for an ordinance or law for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Congress on the other hand accused the BJP of remembering Ram temple when the election approaches and said the BJP also knows that any ordinance will be unconstitutional as the issue is pending before the Supreme Court. Ram Mandir Via Ordinance or Law: Will Modi Government Adopt Somnath Route For Ayodhya?

A congregation of Hindu seers earlier demanded the central government bring an ordinance or a law for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, stressing that even the courts have to respect the "public sentiments".

On October 29, the Supreme Court had adjourned the Ayodhya title suit till January next year to fix a date for final set of hearing. The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the 2010 ruling of the Allahabad High Court which divided the disputed land into three parts.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was on December 6, 1992, demolished allegedly by Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood there.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2018 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).