RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday said senior BJP leader L.K. Advani's last dream to become President of India is not possible any more after the Supreme Court order that he should face trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
"Advani is now out of race for the President's post. He was projected as a strong candidate for the top constitutional post, but it is not possible anymore," Lalu told the media here.
Lalu welcomed the apex court decision.
"After Advani was denied to become the Prime Minister of India, now he has also lost the chance to become the President of India," he added.
Lalu attacked the BJP, saying that Advani was made a "scapegoat" (bali ka bakra) in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case.
Lalu said the CBI is under the "control" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who "used it to sideline and oust Advani from the race for the President". Advani was hopeful of becoming at least the President after he was not able to become Prime Minister in 2014.
Lalu said Advani was ousted from the race for President as part of a "well-planned political strategy". "After all, Advani and his supporters in the BJP were sure that he will be made President, but he has lost the chance."
Lalu said it was he who ordered the arrest of Advani in 1992. "I arrested Advani, no one else," he added.
He said those accused of demolishing the Babri Masjid should get harsh punishment because it will send a message that it was an attack on the secular fabric of the country.
The RJD chief said he and his party RJD have been fighting for social and communal harmony.
--IANS
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