The Hindu : National : Congress to blame for demolition of Babri Masjid, says Mulayam Singh

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Congress to blame for demolition of Babri Masjid, says Mulayam Singh

Atiq Khan

Reacts strongly to party’s criticism of his tie-up with Kalyan Singh

LUCKNOW: The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president, Mulayam Singh, on Sunday reminded the Congress that it was responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

In a strong reaction to the Congress’ reported opposition to his alliance with Kalyan Singh, Mr. Mulayam Singh stated that it had no right to oppose the understanding as the unlocking of the Ayodhya mosque (February 1, 1986) and the subsequent ‘shilanyas’ of the Ram temple (November 1989) were performed when the Congress was in power at the Centre, and in Uttar Pradesh.

When the Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, then too the Congress was at the helm of affairs in Delhi, the Samajwadi Party president added.

“Had the structure not been unlocked and the shilanyas not performed, the Babri Masjid would not have been demolished,” the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said at a Press conference here.

Mr. Mulayam Singh also reminded the Congress of the Samajwadi Party’s support to the Manmohan Singh government which led it to win the no-trust vote in July 2008, adding that his party continued to support the United Progressive Alliance government. However, the Samajwadi chieftain cautioned the Congress to stay away from the Kalyan Singh issue and not to meddle in his affairs.

Mr. Mulayam Singh’s strong criticism of the Congress appeared to have placed a question mark over the possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls. On the fate of the political understanding, Mr. Mulayam Singh said he was open to an alliance with the Congress.

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