The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for 'misleading' people by saying that there was proof of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

In a statement in Hyderabad, AIMPLB secretary M A Rahim Quraishi said, "The board is constrained to remark that a person no less than the prime minister is misleading the people.

"It is deplorable that the Sangh Parivar in general and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in particular have circulated lies and launched a campaign to instigate the majority community..." he said, referring to the attempts being made by them to take over the 'undisputed' land in Ayodhya acquired by the government.

"It is wrong to say that this portion of the land is undisputed, as a [Muslim] graveyard formed part of it. That apart, 43-acres of land was acquired by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Ram Katha Park and let out to the VHP-controlled Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas on the pretext of paucity of funds," Quraishi said.

"The rent-holder cannot claim ownership. Moreover, the Ayodhya Land Acquisition Law, under which the land was acquired, was challenged in the Supreme Court. The reason for acquisition was to facilitate construction of mosque, temple, amenities to pilgrims, library and museums. The apex court order prohibits transfer of any portion of land to anyone," he said.