Pune: Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale said that the issue of Ram Mandir should be sorted out amicably between the communities and the decision should be as per the law.

Athawale was in the city to address a press conference at VVIP Circuit House on Sunday. Athawale said that while there will be a temple of Ram and a mosque for Muslims, government should also spare some land for building Buddha Vihar (temple).

“India is known for its culture to accomodate all religions peacefully. Temples and mosques have existed together since ages and so we should find a solution, which makes everyone happy. If there is too much opposition for a mosque, then we should build a Muslim education institute at the place,” he added.

Speaking on the clash at Koregaon-Bhima on January 1 this year, Athawale said that he is in touch with the authorities so that there is no clash between two communities next year. “I doubt there is any connection between the Elgar Parishad and the violence at Koregaon-Bhima and I will request the investigating authority to investigate the case thoroughly,” he said.

Speaking on his political moves, Athawale said that on January 20 next year, members of the Republican Party of India will demand for a separate Vidarbha state from Maharashtra. Speaking on his past comment on ‘flowing along with the wave,’ Athawale said that the ‘Modi Wave’ (referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi) will be there for another 10 to 15 years and so currently he will flow along with the ‘Modi Wave’. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is of the opinion ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ (all inclusive development) and it is the Congress government, which has fooled the country for ages,” Athawale added.