Ayodhya: No threat to NDA unity, says BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said the government's appeal to the Supreme Court to vacate its order banning religious activity on the acquired land in Ayodhya would not harm the unity of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.

The land was acquired by the Union government in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition.

"Why should the NDA unity be at risk? The government has merely sought the vacation of the SC order in Ayodhya. Everything will depend on what the honourable apex court says," party spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told rediff.com.

Several opposition parties believe the government is bowing to Vishwa Hindu Parishad's threats of launching an agitation if the undisputed land in Ayodhya was not handed over to the Ram janambhoomi Nyas by February 21.

Senior Telegu Desam Party leader Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu said the government's move was improper because it was not in consonance with the NDA agenda.

The Samata Party too has made similar noises. Party spokesman Shambhu Srivastava said the government move could lead to the Hindutva forces takes control of the land around the disputed structure.

However, a BJP veteran indicated that despite the optimism in the party, it was unlikely that the apex court would disturb the status quo in Ayodhya. "The prime minister is being pressured by people around him. I think even he knows that there is just a remote possibility of the court disturbing the staus quo," he said.