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NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 20, 2001: If the VHP’s storming of the Ayodhya complex two days ago was a well-crafted political strategy to benefit the BJP, it has gone awry. The move to register a case against the erring leaders is being seen as an indication of the pressure building up on account of public opinion on the episode. In January this year, Vajpayee had to put an end to a controversy over his remark that the temple was an expression of national sentiment. “Should any organization attempt to disturb the status quo,” he said, “the government will not remain a silent spectator and adopt delaying tactics as unfortunately happened eight years ago.” The PM is likely to reinforce this position again either in Parliament or outside. Home Minister L K Advani has “disapproved” of the VHP’s action of forcibly entering the makeshift temple at Ayodhya. VHP leaders today dared the government to take action against them. “The government has a right to acquire land but has no right to acquire our right to worship. No court has stopped us from offering prayers,” said VHP International General Secretary Praveenbhai Togaidya. Additional stories are at: www.hindustantimes.com/nonfram/201001/detNAT04.asp and www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct19/ivhp.htm\

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