Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has reignited the Babri Masjid controversy with a strong criticism of what she described as the growing influence of hardline Hindutva politics in India.
Recalling the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, Sonia said she had broken down in tears while watching the mosque being demolished on television.
She also argued that the rise of aggressive Hindutva politics under the BJP government had caused considerable damage to the country.
In an interview with an international media organisation ahead of the publication of her autobiography, “Belonging: A Journey of Love”, Sonia reflected on the demolition of the Babri Masjid and its impact on India’s secular character.
“India has had to fight a long battle to preserve its secular character. The moment the Babri Masjid came down, I realised that India was going to face a prolonged struggle to protect its secular identity,” she said.
Recalling the events of 6 December 1992, Sonia said she had watched the demolition on television and cried. The demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya by supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), BJP and Shiv Sena marked a major turning point in Indian politics.
The incident was followed by widespread communal violence across the country, claiming more than 2,000 lives, according to the account cited in the report. Several prominent leaders associated with the BJP, VHP and Shiv Sena were present in Ayodhya during the events.
Sonia also acknowledged that the Congress had failed to respond adequately in several situations that contributed to the rise of hardline Hindutva politics. She said the political developments of the past 12 years had caused significant damage to India, while admitting that her own party had not always taken appropriate measures.
“We were unable to take appropriate action in many situations,” she acknowledged.
Her remarks have drawn a sharp response from the BJP. Party national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised Sonia Gandhi for recalling the Babri mosque demolition and accused the Congress of being sympathetic towards what he described as pro-Babri politics and opposed to Lord Ram.
“Sonia Gandhi is shedding tears over the Babri Masjid now. She has also shed tears over Batla House. She has proved that the Congress is pro-Babri and opposed to Lord Ram,” Bhandari said.
He further alleged that Sonia was unable to accept what he described as the resurgence of Sanatan followers under the BJP government. Taking a swipe at her Italian origin, he said that if she removed her “Italian glasses”, she would be able to see how India was progressing.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks have once again brought the demolition of the Babri Masjid, India’s secular identity and the political debate surrounding Hindutva into the spotlight, drawing contrasting reactions from the Congress and the BJP.
