Subramanian Swamy and Asaduddin Owaisi unplugged one-on-one on TV debate

The issue of Ram Mandir has once again taken a centrestage in Indian politics, with the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaving no stone unturned to rake up the issue ahead of the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. While television debates on the topic are mostly conducted between spokespersons of BJP and so-called ‘secular’ parties, India Today put forth an exciting contest by pitting two rabble-rousers – Subramanian Swamy and Asaduddin Owaisi against each other.

The debate between the two was moderated by senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. While Swamy repeatedly stressed on constructing the Ram Temple, on the location where the demolished battered structure of Babri Masjid currently stands, Owaisi said the decision would be taken only by the Supreme Court, and there is no scope for extra-judicial method of constructing the temple. 

line-height: 25px; font-size: 16px; word-wrap: break-word; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">Till when could you undermine the will of the majoritarian community. We have proved that Lord Ram was born at the place where the Babri Masjid is currently standing. That mosque was constructed after razing the temple by the invader Babar. We are ready to settle things mutually, peacefully, if they desire,” said Subramanian Swamy.

However, Owaisi reacted strongly saying, “The apex court is very capable of taking the right decision. We will welcome the ruling of the court. Ram Mandir will be constructed then. But any progress in the matter, will be taken after the decision of court. There is no scope for outside settlement.”

Swamy also stoked controversy by linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the ongoing Ram Mandir row.