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Wary Cong questions govt’s Ayodhya move

NEW DELHI: The Centre’s latest move on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid matter had the Congress in a bind today with the party officially saying it was for the court to consider the BJP government’s application but privately keeping its fingers crossed on the potential outcomes of the development.

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Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 29

The Centre’s latest move on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid matter had the Congress in a bind today with the party officially saying it was for the court to consider the BJP government’s application but privately keeping its fingers crossed on the potential outcomes of the development.

Congress’ Abhishek Manu Singhvi sufficed to mention that it was for the people and the country to judge the government intent behind making such an application to the SC right on LS poll eve.

He said status quo on the site had been maintained for 16 years since March 31, 2003. “We have nothing to do in this matter. The matter is in the court. The court will decide. Application will be allowed, dismissed, modified. That is between the SC and the appellant.”

“We will make two or three points and people and the country will draw their own conclusions. The 2003 order says while the main title suit is sub judice, status quo will be preserved and maintained including on the ‘undisputed land’ acquired by the Centre. Status quo had continued for 16 years. Suddenly, two months before the General Election, the government says it wants to give that land to anybody. To that end, the government petitions the SC requesting it to modify the 2003 order. I have given the facts. Let the people judge,” he said.

Congress leaders privately indicated the application was weak in law and could be dismissed. The Opposition party feels the latest BJP move is meant to tell its core right-wing Hindutva constituency that the government was doing what it can to ensure that Ram temple sees the light of day.


‘Decision just before LS poll’

"Status quo had continued for 16 years. Suddenly, two months before the General Election, the government says it wants to give that land to anybody." — Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Cong spokesman

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