Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrives in Ayodhya, to hold talks on Ram Temple dispute | The Indian Express

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrived in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday in a bid to mediate the Ram temple-Babri Masjid dispute. He is expected to meet Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas chairman Nritya Gopal Das, among others. Ravi Shankar, who offered to resolve issues “of his own will”, had earlier denied visiting the city with an agenda and said he will listen to everybody.

Shankar’s involvement has been met with resistance from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who have voiced reservations over his role in the dispute.

The AoL founder on Wednesday paid a “courtesy call” to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Following the meeting, Shankar said, “I want unity… I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all,” reported PTI.

Meanwhie, Adityanth, who has welcomed Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s role in talks, said, “Since the government isn’t party to the case, I had already told the stakeholders that if they can come to a final decision on the matter through dialogue, then the government is committed to fully back it. But if they can’t come to such a decision… if they can’t talk it out… then it is in the court… and we will obey whatever is the court’s decision.”

(With inputs from PTI)