Ayodha tensed as Shiv Sena, VHP raise pitch for temple construction

Both the groups have planned separate events in the temple town.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is holding a mega religious gathering to create pressure on the Centre to start construction of the temple.

The Hindu outfit will hold a "dharma sansad" to discuss the plan for the construction of the Ram temple.

On the other side, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived in Ayodhya on Saturday and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a date when the construction of Ram Mandir will begin.

Speaking in the north Indian city, Thackeray said, "When will you construct the temple?"

Accompanied by wife Rashmi and son Aditya, the Shiv Sena chief performed an aarti along the banks of the Sarayu river.

He will visit the site of Ram temple in Ayodhya on Sunday.

The Sena is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) but has had strained ties with ally BJP. It has demanded that the Centre promulgate an Ordinance and declare a date for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The local administration has imposed Section 144 in Ayodhya, restricting the assembly of more than four people, as a precautionary measure.

Earlier this week, Uddhav had said his trip to Ayodhya was to “remind BJP” of its poll promise. “Many are questioning why we (Shiv Sena) remembered Ram now, when the elections are nearing. Why should I hide it? I have taken up this issue because of the elections only. I am going to Ayodhya to remind the BJP about the promise,” he had said.