Ayodhya issue and Mann Ki Baat: Narendra Modi says political parties played mature role in uniting people after 2010 verdict

In his Mann Ki Baat express, Modi said: "Friends, I remember when the Allahabad High Court gave its verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi in September 2010. You could jog your memory a bit and reflect about the atmosphere then."

"Various kinds of people took to the arena! Various interest groups were playing games to take advantage of that situation in their own way! The kind of language that was spoken in order to generate tension in the atmosphere," he said.

Modi said: "There was also an attempt to instill shrillness in the tone of different speakers. Some of the loudmouths and the braggarts had the sole intention of hogging the spotlight at that time."

"And we all know what kind of irresponsible talk was floating around! But this scenario had continued for five days, or seven days, or ten days, but, the delivery of the court’s decision generated a pleasant and surprising change of mood in the country," he said.

Modi said, "On the one hand, the machinations went on to generate tension for  week or two, but, when the decision was taken on Ram Janmabhoomi, the government, political parties, social organizations, civil society, representatives of all sects and saints gave restrained and balanced statements. There were attempts to reduce the tension in the sociopolitical environment."

What happened in Ayodhya and why the case is significant?

In 1992, the disputed Babri Masjid structure was brought down by several right-wing volunteers who believe Lord Ram was born on that site.

On Sept 27 last year, the apex court had refused to re-visit its 1994 verdict which had stated mosque was not important for Muslims to offer prayers, paving way for the hearing of the Ayodhya case.