Will bring bill to build Ram Temple: UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya

Lucknow, Aug 19: UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday said he was hopeful that if the need arose and there was no way out, the Centre could opt for the legislative route in Parliament for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, when it has adequate numbers in both Houses. “When such a need arises that there is no way out except bringing a Bill, I am fully confident that in such a situation and when we have adequate strength (in both Houses of Parliament), remember these two things”, he said without elaborating.

“At present, in Parliament, we do not have adequate strength. Because even if we bring the matter in Lok Sabha, our strength in the Rajya Sabha is less, and it will definitely be defeated. Every devotee of Lord Ram knows this. The court will soon give its judgement. Maurya said if the grand Ram temple was built, it will be a “true tribute” to VHP stalwart Ashok Singhal, Mahant Sri Ramchandra Das Paramhans (former head of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya) and karsewaks who sacrificed their lives.

The deputy chief minister was also asked whether the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill will anger BJP’s core vote bank. Maurya said: “The intention of the government is to not cause any harassment to anyone by bringing in the bill. As a deputy CM of the state, I can say that in UP, no fake case will be registered and no one will be harassed unnecessarily. But, anyone doing any wrong to SC/ST people will not be spared.” (IANS)