Babri Masjid: BJP lashes out on Congress over criminal conspiracy claims

Said if resignations were to be made based on a chargesheet, entire Congress would have resigned

Lashing out on the opposition over allegations of criminal conspiracy and political vendetta, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that if resignations were to be made based on a chargesheet, 'the entire Congress Party would have resigned in its own tenure.'

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, BJP leader Shaina NC, while addressing the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a 'subjudice' issue, asserted that nothing would be done without the complete consensus of the stakeholders involved in the matter.

"There will be a conclusive judgement based on examining the evidence. There are sentiments of lakhs of Indians involved in the matter. Any decision will be taken legally following all the adequate guidelines of the Supreme Court," she said.

 

Earlier on Wednesday, the apex court allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) appeal in the Babri Masjid demolition case and restored criminal conspiracy charges against BJP supremos L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh among others.

However, Kalyan Singh, who was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1992, enjoys constitutional immunity as the Rajasthan Governor and can be tried only after he leaves office.

Defending his party veterans, BJP leader Rahul Sinha dismissed claims of conspiracy, stating that the building of the Ram Temple was in line with the demands of Indian nationals.

"These allegations are baseless. Nobody has been accused so far; the matter is under investigation. There is no political involvement in the matter," he said.

The apex court ordered that two separate cases in Lucknow and Raebareli against Advani, Joshi and Bharti and unknown 'kar sevaks' shall be brought together in one trial.

The Supreme Court also directed the trial court in Lucknow to commence the proceedings in four weeks and hear the matter on a day-to-day basis so as to complete the hearing in two years. The apex court also said there will be no 'de novo' (fresh) trial.

The CBI has been ordered to ensure that at least one prosecution witness appears in the trial court for recording of testimony.

To ensure speedy trial, the top court has given two important directions - first, no party shall be granted adjournments without the sessions judge being satisfied of the reasons for it; second, the trial judge hearing the case shall not be transferred till the judgement is delivered.

The Supreme Court also said that its order should be followed in letter and spirit. If the parties involved feel that the top court's order is not being followed in letter and spirit then they will be having the liberty to approach the apex court.