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BJP : Advani charged in the Babri case |
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More than 12 years after the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, charges have been framed against BJP President L.K. Advani and seven others in the case. Advani was present in the court on July 28 when the charges were framed. Others present along with him in the Rai Bareli court were former Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, firebrand BJP leader Uma Bharti, Viany Katiyar, Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore.
Presenting himself before the court on the directions of the Allahabad High Court which had quashed his discharge from the case, Advani pleaded not guilty and preferred trial.
All the accused were told that they were under judicial custody and were asked to furnish personal bonds of Rs. 10,000 each and enlarged on bail. The next hearing is slated for August 30.
CBI counsel P.K. Chaubey submitted that the court had so far not granted exemption to the accused persons from personal appearance and hence all of them would have to be present on the next hearing on August 30.
Describing the case as “politically motivated”, BJP spokesperson Sushma Swaraj, who was present outside the court room, sought to draw a parallel with the cases foisted upon freedom fighters under British Rule. This is the case against a national movement.
Addressing a public rally, Advani said the construction of Ram temple would remain on top of the party’s agenda. “The temple should be built without any more delay. I assure you that the people will not rest until a grand Ram Temple is constructed at the disputed site in Ayodhya in place of the makeshift temple. Our party has also resolved to fight pseudo-secularism and vote bank politics in the country,” he said.
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