The Ayodhya dispute threatens to overshadow election talks

Party president Venkaiah Naidu told the meeting in the central city of Raipur that the BJP would fight elections on the basis of its achievements in bringing political and economic stability.

There will be polls in five states this year and general elections in 2004.

Although the party leaders tried to focus on poll issues, the controversial topic of the Ayodhya temple threatened to overshadow them.

This dispute must end now. The [Ayodhya] temple should be constructed Uma Bharti, former cabinet minister

Party hawks want legislation to approve the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site in Uttar Pradesh where a mosque was demolished by Hindu right-wingers in 1992.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee sidestepped the issue in Raipur, saying: "I am not getting into this dispute, the issue is under discussion at the national executive of the BJP."

But Mr Vajpayee is under immense pressure from right-wing Hindu groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to resolve the issue.

"This dispute must end now. The temple should be constructed and there should be a clear national debate on the ownership of the site," said Uma Bharti, a firebrand BJP leader and former cabinet minister.

Party sources said the meeting may pass a resolution to reaffirm the BJP's commitment to building the temple while calling for more talks between the Muslim and Hindu communities.

Mr Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani are both scheduled to address the Raipur gathering.

The meeting will also discuss new proposals for giving more representation to women in parliament.