Vajpayee, Advani, Joshi aware of Babri demolition: Liberhan Report - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A section of the media on Monday reported that the Justice Liberhan Commission has named former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapayee along with Leader of Opposition LK Advani and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi as being responsible for spearheading the Karseva movement to demolish the the Babri Masjid in December 1992. The Masjid was demolished by Karsevaks on December 6, 1992. The report quoting the commission's report said the entire build-up to the demolition was meticulously planned and there was reportedly nothing to show that these leaders were either unaware of what was going on or were innocent bystanders to any wrongdoing. The Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan Commission was set up by the then P.V.Narasimha Rao Government on December 16, 1992. After 17 years and 42 extensions the commission submitted its report on June 30 this year. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly giving final touches to the Action Taken Report (ATR). The ATR is likely to be placed before Parliament alongwith the Liberhan Commission's report in the current session. Justice Liberhan has declined to comment on the news report, saying the Commission's report is with the government. "My mouth is shut. I have not said anything to anybody," he said. Commenting on the news report, Congress Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: "We cannot talk about a report which is not available. But one thing is clear, that for the last 17 years, the entire country knows that when such senior leaders were standing in proximity of the Babri Masjid, and action by of hordes of people was taking place, planned padyatras were taken across the country, destruction and mayhem was being done, then obviously there is a case to answer." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy criticised the Congress Party for selectively leaking information to the media at politically opportune moments. "Let the law of land prevail, but what is the report, what is the submission? This is all speculation. Our demand is, why these selective leakages, where is the report - let the country know about it. Why this hide-and-seek?" Rudy said. "We know there are issues in Parliament which they want to duck. Please ask the Government why it is not placing the report in the house," he added.