New Delhi, December 26: Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav on Wednesday said the government is considering the ordinance route for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, if the Supreme Court fails to fast track the land dispute case. His remarks come in the backdrop of mounting pressure from the RSS and its ideological affiliates, seeking immediate measures for the construction of the temple on the site where Babri Masjid was demolished.

Madhav, who is the BJP general secretary, said the option of ordinance was always available but the government is waiting for the judiciary to decide. In case the court further delays the matter, the Centre would be exploring alternatives at the earliest, he added. Babri Masjid Action Committee to Approach Supreme Court If Centre Promulgates Ordinance.

"Option of ordinance has always been there. But matter is right now in the Supreme Court. And the Supreme Court has given a date of 4th January (2019) to decide about next bench. We are hoping that the SC will take it in fast-track way conclude it early. If that’s not going to happen, we'll explore other options," Madhav told news agency ANI.

The apex court, which was expected to initiate the final batch of hearings from October-end, decided to delay the case till January next year. The bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had told the petitioners that it has other matters to be taken on priority.

The court's decision agitated right-wing groups, including the parental body of ruling BJP - the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - which has demanded a law or ordinance to build a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2018 04:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).