The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Thursday set a one-year deadline to begin the construction of a Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, VHP vice-president Giriraj Kishore said hundreds of thousands of 'Ram Bhakts' would be involved in the construction of the temple.

VHP leaders are in Kolkata for a two-day executive committee meeting of the organisation.

"It has become very difficult to wait for the court verdict. We intend to begin the construction of the temple within a year and construction material is ready. We cannot wait any further," he said.

Asked whether the deadline was more of an ultimatum to the government, he replied: ''You are free to analyse and draw your own conclusion."

The VHP leader accused the previous Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government of putting the temple issue on the backburner. ''When the BJP was in power, they did not do anything to fulfill the aspirations of the Hindus. But now when they are out of power, they are talking of going back to Hindutva,'' he said.
     
Asked how long would it take to complete the temple construction, he replied: "Let the work begin first."