Verdict key step towards building temple: Advani

The BJP on Monday welcomed the Allahabad High Court verdict on Ayodhya issue saying it was a "significant step" towards building a grand temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram and opened a new chapter for national integration.

"The Allahabad High Court verdict is a significant step towards building of a grand temple," top BJP leader L K Advani told reporters after a meeting of party core group.

He said the BJP believed that this verdict opens a new chapter for national integration and a new era on inter-community relations.

Advani said his party was "gratified" that the nation received the verdict with maturity.

He said the High Court judgment upholds the rights of the Hindus to construct a temple at the disputed site. Advani did not take any questions on the matter and read out the party statement.

The meeting was attended by party chief Nitin Gadkari, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart in upper house Arun Jaitely among others.