New Delhi:
The Congress has said that the Allahabad High Court verdict does not dilute the Babri demolition case.
"It is important to underline that the verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Mosque on December 6, 1992, which was a shameful and criminal act, for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice," said Janardhan Dwivedi.
Dwivedi announced this after the Congress' highest decision making body met on Tuesday to fine tune its stand on the verdict. This is a clear shift in emphasis, as the focus has been brought back on the demolition of the Babri Mosque.
Immediately as the verdict was pronounced last Thursday, there were confused first reactions from the Congress, ranging from welcoming the verdict, to a more circumspect statement from the Prime Minister.
"We welcome and accept the verdict of the Allahadbad High Court. If any party has any grievance, they can approach the Supreme Court," Janardhan Dwivedi, Chairman, Congress Media Department had said on the Verdict day.
There is now a sense of disquiet within the ruling party, especially among its Muslim leaders, over the verdict. While there is a perception that the Allahabad High Court verdict may dilute the Babri demolition case, political parties are trying to interpret the High Court verdict to suit their politics.
Mulayam Singh talked about Muslims being upset with the verdict and the BJP is trying to revive its Ram Mandir politics using the verdict.
"Any distortion of the verdict by communal forces is detrimental to the larger National interest and will cause harm to the Nation's mood and desire for peace and harmony," added Janardhan.
The BJP's response was why is the Congress linking the Babri case with the Ayodha title suit?
"There is no need to link the Ayodhya verdict to the Babri demolition, there is a separate case about it," said Nirmala Seetharaman, BJP spokesperson.
Even the Left criticised the high court verdict saying it will set a dangerous precedent for future as it is based on faith not evidence.
"It is true that this was not a matter being considered by the Special Bench. However, there are apprehensions that the reasoning set out in the judgements may be taken as a post-facto justification for the demolition," said Prakash Karat, CPM General Secretary.
While the Congress also welcomed efforts at reconciliation, the message they wanted to convey was clear - there is no forgetting or forgiving the Babri demolition. Those responsible for the demolition will have to have to face the law.