Parliament disrupted over Ayodhya report

Published on Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 15:34 |  Source : Reuters

Updated at Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 16:09  

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3
0
0
Share on Tumblr
Parliament disrupted over Ayodhya report

RELATED NEWS

India's parliament was in uproar on Monday over a leaked government report blaming Hindu nationalist opposition leaders for their role in the destruction of an ancient mosque that sparked widespread riots.

Angry lawmakers twice forced the adjournment of parliament and opposition leaders shouted "shame, shame" in the house, blaming the government for leaking the report.

Mobs of Hindu militants tore down a 16-century mosque in the north Indian town of Ayodhya in 1992, claiming it stood on the birthplace of their god-king Rama. It led to clashes between Hindus and Muslims that left hundreds dead across the country.

The Indian Express newspaper on Monday published what is said were excerpts of the commission's report, which said leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had played a part in planning the destruction of the mosque.

Among those mentioned in the report were former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and current leader of opposition, Lal Krishna Advani.

The government would not confirm the report, but if true, the conclusions would be another blow to the main opposition BJP, which has been plagued by squabbling after defeats in federal and state elections.

It would also takes pressure off the ruling Congress government, which has so far faced a concerted opposition in a parliament session that began last week and was supposed to debate issues such as rising food prices and policy moves on deregulating commodity prices.

The adjournments have further delayed government plans to debate reforms like increasing foreign investment in the insurance and pension sectors.

The Ayodhya mosque incident was blamed for further driving a wedge between the two communities and for the increasing radicalization of Muslims, who make up around 13 percent of the population.

The report was submitted to the government in July. The government has said it would table the report in parliament in the current session.

"I refrain to comment...on the contents," Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram told parliament over shouts from opposition lawmakers. He said the newspaper report was "unfortunate".

Both Advani and Vajpayee have said the demolition was a spontaneous act and have denied they orchestrated the mobs.

"If what is written is correct, the conclusions are false and ridiculous. There was no conspiracy, no planning. I myself have told the commission it was the saddest day of my life," Advani told parliament, holding up a copy of the newspaper.

  

More on Moneycontrol

Trending News

Business News

Top smartphones under Rs. 15,000
Competition ahoy: Monkey 1, Sensex in neck-and-neck race "Competition ahoy: Monkey 1, Sensex in neck-and-neck race"

Sources Say BCCI Sahara Meet BCCI Agrees To All Other Demands Put In By Sahara

The latest earning numbers FIRST on CNBC-TV18
Videos

Feb 12 2012, 11:20

See more rally even if Greek crisis drags on: RBS

- in FII View

Feb 10 2012, 21:39

Truck demand sluggish; margins down 80bps: Shriram Trans

- in Results Boardroom

Interviews

Feb 12 2012, 15:00 | Source: CNBC-TV18

Bosch sees 3-5% growth in 2012, bets big on India  

Feb 11 2012, 11:52 | Source: CNBC-TV18

TCS to expand centers in N.America; CY12 focus on Japan  

Subscribe to

Moneycontrol Newsletters

Moneycontrol.com offers you a choice of various sectoral and other newsletters for FREE!

Follow moneycontrol.com