Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that a decision on (construction of) Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh would be taken only after the Supreme Court pronounces its final verdict in the case.

Speaking exclusively to ANI news agency, Modi made it clear that the Govt. was in no hurry to pass an ordinance to speed up the construction of Ram Mandir at the place where the Babri Masjid (razed down by ‘Kar Sevaks’ on 06th December, 1992) once stood. During the interview, Modi answered many questions on wide-ranging topics.

To a query on construction of Ram Mandir, the Prime Minister said “We had made it very clear in the BJP’s election manifesto prior to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that a decision on construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya would be taken only within the provisions of the Constitution. The case is pending before the apex Court. As the Govt. in power, we are ready to do everything at our disposal (for the construction) only after the Court pronounces its verdict!”

To a specific query on passing an ordinance similar to the one passed recently in the ‘Triple Talaaq’ issue, the prime-minister said that ordinance in ‘Triple Talaaq’ issue was passed only after the apex Court had passed its orders. Ayodhya case is very different. Those in power at the Centre since Independence have been trying their best to find a solution to the Ram Mandir issue but putting hurdles in the judicial proceedings hardly helps in resolving the issue at the earliest.

“I would like to make a plea to the Congress party for peace, unity and integrity to prevail in the country: please ask all your advocates not to interfere with judicial proceedings in the Ram Mandir case. Let the Court(s) perform the(ir) duties. Congress Party’s advocates can make a huge contribution in this regard by not distracting the Courts,” Modi concluded.

What is significant in the Prime Minister’s observations is that he had ruled out passing an ordinance to speed up the process of construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya despite the growing resentment in Sangh Parivar ranks for the delay in the process despite the BJP being in power at the Centre for the past four-and-a-half years.