New Delhi: Ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya title suit case, the Bharatiya Janata Party Monday asked its spokespersons and social media teams to avoid saying anything on the issue that might take “communal colours”.
In a meeting, addressed by senior BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Anil Jain, among others, the BJP asked its spokespersons from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh to avoid attending TV debates on the issue, said a party leader.
The BJP has also asked its social media teams to refrain from posting anything on the issue until the verdict is out, the leader said, adding that the party told them to accept the verdict of the court, whatever it turns out to be.
The judgment on the case is expected before 17 November, when Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi retires.
“Spokespersons have been told not to rush and make statements as soon as information starts trickling in. The party will study the matter in detail first and will also issue necessary guidelines for all the spokespersons. Already there is a centralised system in place but they have been asked to know their facts and not say anything which can take communal colours,” said a senior BJP leader.
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‘Information about the case was provided’
Giving details of the meeting, another senior BJP leader said that information was provided about the history of the Ayodhya case and its legal aspects.
“Senior leaders took sessions explaining the historical and legal aspects of the case. The entire timeline was also explained so that everyone is aware of each and every detail. It is a good move as the idea is to not only sensitise the spokespersons, but to ensure they are fully prepared too,” said the leader.
A meeting of spokespersons belonging to other states, including West Bengal, was held Sunday.
A BJP functionary from Bengal said, “Apart from the meeting with spokespersons, the state unit has reached out to all party workers and they have already started holding meetings with social activists, religious leaders, social media influencers (asking them) not to speculate about the verdict and to stay calm, irrespective of what the verdict is.”
RSS, VHP too urged political leaders not to comment
It is not just the BJP, but even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have started holding meetings and reaching out to political and religious leaders, activists asking them to not comment on the issue.
The RSS had also issued a statement last week, asking people to maintain harmony, irrespective of what the verdict turns out to be.
Sources said on the day of the verdict, a statement will be issued by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat first.
The Ayodhya district administration has also barred TV channels from holding debates in the temple town without its permission.
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