As political parties raise 'Rama pitch',Ayodhya chants for development

Lucknow: He grew up seeking blessings from Ram Lalla, the presiding deity in Ayodhya. Like most elders, manager at a financial firm, Ashish Misra, also wanted a solution to the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute. But he never expected things to take such an ugly turn on that fateful day on December 6, 1992. Twenty-four years after the incident, he feels that the dispute has deprived Ayodhya of the development pie due to it.
After a lull, the focus is back on the temple town, much to the discomfiture of its residents. While the state is going ahead with its plan to develop a world class International Ramlila center and theme park in Ayodhya, Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma reached the town to announcce the setting up of a Ramayana Museum and circuit worth Rs 225 crore. Earlier, in September, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Hanuman Garhi temple.
Promises of museums and theme parks have hardly amused Ayodhya residents. "Ayodhya needs development, not politics. Parties have made fortunes by chanting Rama's name. But the controversy over the temple has hindered our development. I don't have a problem in anyone chanting Rama's name... but parties should not play politics with the people."
Post 2014 Lok Sabha elections, locals revived a 110-year old people's group to help Ayodhya shun the image associated with the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute.
It's convenor, Barfi Maharaj said that the dispute (which rakes up every election) doesn't deserve further attention in the best interest of Ayodhya.
"The dispute has distorted Ayodhya's identity and has robbed the city and its people of their right to development. Ayodhya desperately needs a hospital, more educational colleges, safe drinking water, electricity and cleanliness. But these rightful needs are being eclipsed by the shadow of dispute," he said.
Former head of Lucknow University's Tourism Institute Prof Manoj Dixit also a part of this group said, "What is the need for a Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya when every single particle of soil in this land represents Ram?"
Anil Singh, associate professor at local Saket PG College, said "The only government hospital in Ayodhya doesn't have medicines, diagnosis facilities, blood and ambulances. Government must take care of people's health on top priority."
Arjun Pandey, a guide in Ayodhya says "The quality of drinking water here is very poor as the source of water the Saryu river in badly polluted, so a big water treatment plant is needed to provide pure and safe drinking water."