Has the rather conceited BJP general secretary and party spokesperson M Venkiah Naidu shot off his mouth on the Ayodhya issue? So it seems, judging by the rash of reactions within the saffron fold.

Speaking on a STAR News programme, Naidu categorically stated that the Ram Mandir issue would not be raised by his party again even if the BJP came to power on its own. Obviously, many eyebrows were raised in the Sangh pariwar on such a statement. In fact, Naidu contradicted his own party colleague and BJP ideologue Gobindacharya who had said the Ayodhya issue was very much alive as far as the party was concerned.

No wonder, Naidu had to buckle under pressure and deny the controversial statement. On Thursday, Naidu maintained that he did not say so. But the matter did not end. The Star News channel said it stood by its report. It said the Naidu statement was on the tape if somebody wished to verify.

Any controversial statement on Ayodhya is bound to stir thehornet's nest in these times. After all, BJP's opponents have their eyes and ears glued to the ground waiting for the slightest slip to occur. And this time, their catch is none other than the loudmouthed spokesperson himself.

But it is Prime Minister Vajpayee who has to ultimately square it all up, answerable as he is to the NDA as also the general voters. By all accounts, the Prime Minister is having a harrowing moment trying to reconcile the rather irreconcilable elements within his fold.