Congress leader PL Punia said, "The atmosphere is to be created, that is what we want. We are also for construction of the temple. If a major section of the country wants a temple to be constructed, is possible. But the thing is that, an atmosphere has to be created." On the other hand, Congress has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of creating communal tension in the nation on the Ram temple issue.

"The very same RSS and the people carrying this agenda are creating communal tensions by which no governments are able to proceed with this idea. So, the communal tension is to be reduced and communal harmony is to be established. Anything which is done, should be with the concern of all the parties. It cannot be to create more enmity or hatred. It should be for peace and unity," said Congress leader PC Chacko.

"India is rich in religion and culture. Ram is our ideal whom some regard as a God and some as a great man. Society should rise taking inspiration from Ram and Sharad Kothari and prepare for building a grand Ram temple like Somnath," the RSS chief said in his tweet. Ram and Sharad Kothari, were the activists killed in police firing on karservaks in 1990 during a march to the disputed site in Ayodhya.

"The grand goal may be realised in our own time. Maybe, we can see it with our own eyes," he added. "The temple will be built within my lifetime. May be, we will see it with our own eyes. No one can say when and how the temple will be constructed, but we need to be prepared and ready," Bhagwat said. "We need to plan it carefully. A good mix of 'josh' (passion) and 'hosh' (sanity) is needed to complete the work which Ram and Sharad had initiated," he added.

By Premji