Ayodhya: Kanchi seer to talk with leaders

Reiterating his oft-repeated stand that the Ayodhya issue cannot be resolved legally, Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal said here on Wednesday that he was going to play a part in the revived talks with religious leaders of both sides on May 14 in Delhi. This move assumes significance in the wake of the Apex Court staying the Allahabad High Court’s judgment of trifurcating the disputed site. Replying to questions on the Supreme Court’s stay on the Allahabad HC judgment the seer said: “I have always said that the Ramjanmabhoomi tangle should not be taken to the court instead it should be settled through talks. As that will only give a lasting solution.”Referring to his failed effort to find a negotiated settlement in 2002 when he held consultations with the members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Sunni Central Waqf Board and Hindu outfits, Swamigal said that Muslim leaders had then agreed to give up the claim on the disputed land. “The talks went up to 12.30 am. They said we don’t want any thing but only the right to worship in the masjid. But when the day broke, some one, went to the court and the outcome of the talks went into a stalemate,” he said. “They are even willing to give up all the disputed sites but they want access to worship. Hundreds of mosques in the country, which are under the Archeological department are inaccessible,” he said. The seer, who is on a religious tour, said, he would leave for Delhi from Salem on Thursday and take part in the talks to be attended by leaders of all the parties involved in the Ramjanmabhoomi issue. Asked if he initiated the talks Jayendra Saraswathi replied in the negative and said, they (Muslim leaders) have invited me. Even earlier it was they who arranged the consultation, he said. Sidesteps Queries Over Politics Initially shying away from questions related to politics, the seer opened up a little later. To a question on which party should win in the State elections, he said, it didn’t make any difference to him, but added “we will support the government that supports us”. He followed this with a statement that temples and religion in general were well taken care of presently. “A lot of religious activities is being conducted in temples in State,” he said.