Ayodhya, a temple town in Uttar Pradesh, is on edge as Shiv Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad raise pitch for the construction of the Ram temple.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is holding a "dharma sansad" to discuss the way forward for the construction of the Ram temple. The VHP has been mobilising support for its big event through bike rallies and processions across UP in the last few days.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said a Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya whether or not the present government at the Centre stays in power. "I told the saints who blessed me yesterday that the work which we are about to begin can't be done without their blessings. I have no hidden agenda in coming to Ayodhya. I've come here to express the sentiments of all Indians and Hindus across the world. They are all waiting for the Ram Mandir to be built," he said. Mr Thackeray had carried a pot full of soil from the Shivneri fort in Pune, which will be handed over to the mahant or priest at the janmabhoomi.
