A.B. Vajpayee's Views - I

Regarding Ayodhya, our efforts will be directed at settling the dispute through dialogue and the legal process. Kashi and Mathura are not on our agenda. Full stop. The BJP and the RSS are independent organisations with separate identities. The Sangh does not interfere in political matters.                                                     (Source: The India Today, 29 December, 1997)

II

... So far as the question of mandir vs. mosque is concerned, it will be a part of our manifesto. That there was a temple at the disputed Babari Masjid site is now being accepted by one and all. Even the Imam of Qaba had said that a temple should be allowed to be built at the site. So far as the question of rebuilding the mosque is concerned, we shall consult all parties and communities to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. (Source: The Times of India, 7 January, 1998)

L.K. Advani, 4 December, 1997

... In 1989 ... I stated "If Muslim leaders abandon this claim, I offer to mediate on their behalf and talk to the VHP leaders and find an amicable solution to the Kashi and Mathura disputes". My proposal was ridiculed by some prominent Muslim leaders. I did not pursue the matter any further. Today, I ... recall what I had said then ... This time I would like them to take an initiative. If Muslim leaders -not belonging to the BJP - were to declare that they respect the wishes of Hindu society to have a magnificent temple constructed at Ram Janma Bhoomi and will withdraw all claims to that site, I am willing to help Muslims have a fruitful dialogue with the VHP so that the Kashi and Mathura disputes are sorted our amicably."                                                                                                   (Source: The BJP Today, 16-31 December, 1997)

 Kalyan Singh

Barring a few misguided Muslims the larger section is aware that no mosque was demolished in Ayodhya. It was a structure where no namaz had been offered since 1935. Muslims also know that Hindus had been offering prayers before the deity of infant Lord Ram inside that structure for decades, and they are also convinced that the temple will continue to remain there for all times to come. We have no intention of playing the Ayodhya card at all in the coming elections. But I would not be surprised if our opponents and critics will make the issue alive, though I am sure that will go only to BJP's benefit. (Source: The Sunday, 4-10 January, 1998)