Notwithstanding coalition compulsions, the Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ] on Saturday agreed with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on intensifying the Ram mandir movement, buoyed by the Archaeological Survey of India [ Images ] stating a temple pre-existed the Babri masjid [ Images ] structure.

"In the light of the ASI report, it was decided that the Ram mandir agitation should be intensified," BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan [ Images ] told reporters after a four-hour long hurriedly-convened meeting at BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu's residence in Delhi [ Images ], attended among others by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani [ Images ] and RSS leaders Mohan Bhagwat and Madandas Devi.

He said the BJP wanted an early resolution of the Ayodhya dispute through negotiations, a court verdict or legislation.

"BJP has no objection to the VHP's proposed agitation in support of its demand for a Bill in  Parliament," Mahajan said adding 'since the NDA constituents did not favour such a move, it will not be possible to bring a legislation till they change their mind'.

Mahajan sought to downplay senior VHP leader Ashok Singhal's reported demand for Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's [ Images ] resignation on the Ayodhya issue.

Madandas Devi said he did not support Singhal's demand.

PTI