The VHP has claimed that the construction of the proposed Ram Temple at Ayodhya has already begun.

As you are aware, the disputed land, including the site of the Babari Masjid is in the custody of the Central Government as ordered by the Supreme Court and the status quo shall be maintained till the title thereto is decided by the Special Bench of the Allahabad High Court.

I would request you to confirm that the status quo in  respect of the disputed land including the site of the Babari Masjid is being maintained and that no construction of any sort has been undertaken, with or without the approval of the Central Government, by any person or organisation.

Government's Reply

I am in receipt of your letter dated 11th May, 1998 regarding maintaining the status quo in respect of the disputed land in Ayodhya.

(Source: Home Minister L.K. Advani's Letter No. I-460/98-HMP dated 19 May, 1998 to S. Shahabuddin)