Ram Temple not in party’s agenda for 2014 Lok Sabha polls, says Amit Shah

Ashwin Krushnapaksha 4, Kaliyug Varsha 5115

Few days ago the RSS chief exclaimed, 'Forget Gods and Goddesses for the next 50 years and serve Bharatmata !' At that time, we wondered whether Bhagwat ji intends to ask Hindus to forget Ram Mandir at Ayodhya ? Now Amit Shah's statement has proved our point. Now what is  the reaction of RSS supporters who were up in arms about 'HJS insulting the RSS chief' and moreover falsely accusing HJS of dividing Hindus ? – Editor

In an exclusive interview with Rahul Kanwal, Editor at large, Headlines Today and Aaj Tak, BJP's Uttar Pradesh in-charge Amit Shah said that Ram temple will not be in the party's agenda for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. While answering to a question about Ishrat Jahan encounter case, Shah said that Congress' attempts to frame him in the case will boomerang against it.

Rahul : Till now you have been active in Gujarat politics only and being a close confident of Narendra Modi you have been given the responsibility of party in-charge in Uttar Pradesh.  UP's politics is totally different and more complicated that that of Gujarat. Will you be able to take this challenge ?
Amit Shah : Let us wait for the election result outcome, Party has shown faith in me and I will prove my worth. We will win the UP elections with thumping majority and the BJP will become the biggest party in terms of seats in coming election.

Rahul : Why you have been given the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh? What is so special between you and Modi that you are considered his right hand man?
Amit Shah : The question has two different aspects. Only Rajnath Singh  and other senior leaders  can tell  you that why I have been given this responsibility,  It is my duty is to perform with the best of my capability and conviction, As far as it is concern to Modi ji, no one is very close to him, he gives ample opportunity to those who are performers.

Rahul : But you can't deny this fact that Narednra Modi trusts you a lot. Please tell us about you strategy to win 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.   
Amit Shah : To get a big victory in UP is not a big issue, because of three reasons: first, there is wave against Congress rule in the state, because of poor governance, high inflation, national security, corruption and above all the incumbency factor .Second, Incumbency factor against SP rule in  UP, the state has been suffering from the misgovernance of BSP- SP rule since long, people have no alternative except to choose BJP as alternative.  Neither BSP nor SP can change the government at Centre only BJP is able to do so , and currently there is huge undercurrent in favour of BJP in Uttar Pradesh .

Rahul : There is a notion that you have been sent to Uttar Pradesh to polarise the voters on the name of religion. You have been saying that govt. is appeasing Muslims. But you have been also trying to unite Hindu voters. Uniting Hindu voters on the name of Modi is your strategy?
Amit Shah : See, I a working here for the Organization, but the  people who are working for the government are responsible for the same and more over situation will become  worse even more communal by the time of  upcoming election .  At different places there 21 cases against hard core terrorist who all are being lodged in the jails of UP,  but the UP Government is trying to release these Terrorists, I can not even think of anti constitutional steps of the government. Many Hindus having grudge against the govt due to their appeasement policies, and Mulayam Singh is responsible for Muslim appeasement in the state.  

Rahul : It seems that BJP is confused on the issues of temple. In his speech, Modi talked of building toilets first and then temples. Then you visited Ayodhya and said Ram temple will be built here. After which you backtracked. So will you clarify you party's stand on Ram temple?
Àmit Shah : Our party President has said that Ram Mandir is not on BJP's election agenda.

Rahul : Ayodhya was the first place you visited after coming to UP and during this visit you reiterated that temple will be build here.
Amit Shah : I prayed before Lord Rama to free country from maladministration & make India Congress free. I said Ram Mandir should be constructed after consultation and help of all the parties involved. I want the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It is my personal view.

Rahul : You said that Ram temple is not an election issue. So how important will the issue of Hindutva for BJP, Modi and you?
Amit Shah : My Party's policy is not to appease any individual or community. We believe in justice for all. When you appease one party the other is bound to feel left out. I can't stop this emotional outburst.

Rahul : You also support that outburst?
Amit Shah : This is not the question of supporting emotions. BJP always reflects feelings of people. If there will injustice with anyone, BJP will raise its voice.

Rahul : You didn't answer my earlier question. How important will the issue of Hindutva?
Amit Shah : Govt appeasement policies have led to the reactions in the society. And this reaction has come to the surface.

Source : India Today