VHP Wants Dalit Priest For Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which played a critical role in the Ram Mandir movement in the 1980s and 1990s, including proposing and popularising the model for the Ram Temple, on Saturday called for the Dalit priest for the proposed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya . The VHP said that this will send a message of social harmony across the country.

On November 9, 1989, the foundation stone for the temple was laid by Kameshwar Chaupal, a Dalit party worker from Bihar. Through this hugely symbolic gesture, the VHP sent out a message that the whole Hindu society is standing united for the Ram Mandir. The VHP is widely credited with broadbasing the social support for Ram Mandir movement.

As per the recent Supreme Court judgement in the Ayodhya case, the Central government will be required to set up a trust for the Ram Mandir. The priest will also be appointed through this trust.

Talking to IANS, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said: "Now the government has to form a trust. There will be no interference by the VHP. However, appointing a Dalit priest will be a welcome step. The VHP is preparing several Dalit priests from quite some time. With the Dharmacharya Contact Department and Archak Purohit Department, the VHP is running a campaign to train Scheduled Caste to become a priest."

The organisation also said that the temple should be constructed by money given by the society and not the government.

According to the Supreme Court ruling, the Central government has to form a trust for the Ram Mandir by February 9, 2020. The VHP wants that the trust shouldn't comprise of political leaders.

"The organisation made the Ram Mandir movement a success. The way for the temple has been paved by the Supreme Court and due to the blessings of Lord Ram. Now, the government has to form a trust, it should act wisely. The government is committed so it will take the decision which will be beneficial for all," said Bansal.

(With Inputs From IANS)