Nominated MP Rakesh Sinha challenges opposition leaders to show their cards on the Ram temple issue. It seems to be a tactical move by BJP ahead of 2019 polls.
New Delhi: With the winter session of Parliament around the corner, the Bharatiya Janata Party seems to have made a tactical move. Nominated Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha, a well-known ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is bringing in a private member bill on the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya, in a clear bid to test the opposition.
The move is tactical because if the bill were to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, the onus would be on the BJP to pass it. However, by introducing it in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA is short of numbers, the BJP will force the opposition to play the cards it is holding close to its chest.
Also read: Ram temple construction on RSS annual meet agenda as SC order fuels anger against BJP
Parliament is expected to convene for the winter session in December, but this bill is likely to generate a lot of noise and result in a washout. The BJP, meanwhile, is looking more and more likely to push the Ram temple issue in the run up to next year’s Lok Sabha elections, expecting it to consolidate the Hindu vote in its favour.
Tweeting about his bill, Sinha challenged leaders of opposition parties to clarify their stand on the Ram temple.
Will @RahulGandhi @SitaramYechury @laluprasadrjd Mayawati ji support Private member bill on Ayodhya? They frequently ask the date ‘तारीख़ नही बताएँगे ‘ to @RSSorg @BJP4India ,now onus on them to answer
— Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) November 1, 2018
The BJP itself has been under constant pressure from the RSS and the Vishva Hindu Parishad because it has avoided taking a clear stand on the issue. However, the party leadership has internally made it clear that the Ram temple will once again be one of its primary election planks, sources said.
Just a day ago, RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya said the government should acquire land, bring in a law and construct the Ram temple. Similar sentiments were expressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who demanded that the government bring in an ordinance to build the temple.
What is a private member bill?
If an MP feels strongly about an issue that is not strictly part of government business, he or she can bring in a private member bill. These are tabled on Fridays when Parliament is in session.
There have been instances when private member bills have been passed and have become the law, the most recent being the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, passed by the Rajya Sabha.
A private member bill, when presented in the House for arguments, requires the minister concerned to reply on the issue. If the member is satisfied with the reply, he or she can withdraw the bill. However, if the member is not satisfied, he or she can demand voting on the subject, which is where in the present instance the BJP could test the opposition.
Also read: BJP allies react with unease as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for law to build Ram temple
Potentially tricky for govt as well
The situation could potentially get a bit tricky for the government as well, because it has maintained that it will abide by the Supreme Court’s verdict.
“What happens generally is that the government brings in a bill. But, in this case, an MP is bringing a bill where the government needs to respond. This can lead to voting if the member doesn’t get a satisfactory reply,” a senior BJP leader said.
“If he withdraws, which I do not see happening, then matter is put to rest, with the government promising a definite action on the Ram temple issue.”
Another senior leader added, also on the condition of anonymity: “In this case, a promise of definite action is not what the member seems to have in mind. If Sinha does not withdraw and asks for voting, then BJP needs to direct its MPs to support or oppose the bill.
“This can clearly snowball into the biggest issue for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which seems to be suiting us for now.”
Other senior leaders are expecting an ordinance on the issue soon. “The ordinance on the Ram temple could be brought in anytime now. We’re waiting and watching,” one of these leaders said.