'When will Ram Mandir be constructed? I want date,' asks Sena chief

Ayodhya, Nov 24: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray reached Ayodhya for a two-day visit. Sena will hold an event in the city tomorrow over the matter of Ram Temple.

Thackeray in his first reaction to media after reaching Ayodhya said,"We want the exact date when the construction of Ram Temple will begin?." (Humein aaj mandir banne ki tareekh chahiye. Pehle mandir kab banaoge wo batao, baaki baatein to baad me hoti rahengi. Aaj mujhe tareekh chahiye)

Uddhav Thackeray will offer prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi, participate in the aarti by the Sarayu river and speak to seers, saints and locals. He is carrying a pot full of soil from the Shivneri fort in Pune, which will be handed over to the mahant or priest at the Janmabhoomi.

According to reports, from top to several mid-level police officers, 160 inspectors, 700 constables, 42 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), five companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) commandos and drone cameras have been deployed in Ayodhya. There is a CRPF ring around the disputed site, the government has assured.

Both Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Shiv Sena will hold separate events in the city tomorrow over the matter of RamTemple.

Preparations for Dharm Sabh

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international vice president Champat Rai (R) and Ram Vilas Vedanti inspect the preparations for 25 November Dharm Sabha in Ayodhya, Friday, Nov 23, 2018. (PTI Photo)

BJP leader Vinay Katiyar

BJP leader Vinay Katiyar in a meeting with sadhus at Rambhalabha Kunj Mandir in Ayodhya, Friday, Nov 23, 2018. (PTI Photo)

VHP procession

Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists participate in a procession rally to make a call for their November 25 Vishal Dharm Sabha at Ayodhya, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Shiv Sena activists

Shiv Sena activists boarding a train for Ayodhya to attend Vishwa Hindu Parishad Dharma Sabha on Nov 25, at Thane Railway Station, Thursday, Nov 22, 2018. (PTI Photo)