Cong recalls Ayodhya land acquisition by its govt in 1993

Welcoming the Supreme Court judgment on the Ayodhya land dispute, the Congress recalled that it was the party which had acquired land for the temple in 1993, but added that it was not a matter of credit or discredit.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "The land acquisition was done in 1993 through the Ayodhya Act by the then Congress government," hinting at Congress' role in it.

The party's chief spokesperson asked, shouldn't former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi be given credit for opening the locks of the disputed site? However, he added, "The decision of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya case cannot be a matter of credit or discredit to any individual, group of people, communities or political parties."

It was during former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's tenure when the lock of the disputed site was opened on February 1, 1986 and regular prayers were allowed. Prior to that the site was locked, with a priest allowed once a year for worship, the party said.

Surjewala also criticised the BJP for doing politics over Lord Ram. He said "The decision of the apex court has not only opened the doors for the temple's construction but also closed the doors for those who have been doing politics in the name of faith."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Supreme Court has delivered the verdict on Ayodhya. While respecting the court verdict we should live in harmony, the moment is for love, trust and brotherhood for all Ind."

Earlier, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) passed a resolution after the judgement was delivered saying, "The Indian National Congress respects the verdict of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya case. We appeal to all the parties concerned and to all the communities to abide by the secular values and the spirit of fraternity enshrined in our Constitution and to maintain peace and harmony. It is the responsibility of each one of us to reaffirm our tradition of mutual respect and unity among all that has defined our society through the ages."

( With inputs from IANS )