Babri razing dented BJP image: Advani
Ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in five states, including Muslim-dominated Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, BJP parliamentary party chairman L.K. Advani on Sunday claimed he felt the Babri masjid demolition had “badly dented” his party’s credibility.
Writing in his blog, Mr Advani, recalling a newspaper article he had written after the demolition, said that while describing the genesis of evolution of the Ayodhya movement, he had said that the day the disputed structure was pulled down was the saddest day of his life. In the latest post, he said some colleagues had criticised him for that statement saying, “Why was he being apologetic about the development?”
He said he had then replied, “I am not at all apologetic. Indeed, I am proud of my association with the Ayodhya movement. But I am extremely sad that our party’s credibility has been badly dented by the happenings of December 6.”
He recalled he had written in his article that organisations involved in the movement could be faulted for not being able to judge the impatience of the people participating in it. “I felt sad that a meticulously drawn-up plan of action, where under the UP government was steadily marching forward towards discharging its mandate regarding temple construction without violating any law or disregarding any court order, had gone awry (because of the demolition).”
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JPC chief: PM to be called if absolutely must
New Delhi, March 13: As the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) prepares to go into the 2G issue, its chief P.C. Chacko has made it clear that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be called before the panel only if it is “absolutely necessary” and there is a “consensus” among members.
He pointed out that none of the four earlier JPCs have called any Prime Minister and that such a step should be taken only if it is required for the “fair conclusion” of the committee’s work. “Calling the Prime Minister before JPC is the last step and not the first step. Such a step can be taken only when it is absolutely necessary and if there is consensus among the members,” Mr Chacko said. When referred to Dr Singh’s offer of appearing before any panel, he said the matter will be deliberated upon. —PTI
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