New Delhi, November 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political controversy over Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s remarks on the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition has drawn sharp reactions from a Muslim cleric and a former karsevak, both questioning the Congress party’s role and response to the events.
Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, described Gandhi’s expression of grief as “crocodile tears”, arguing that the Congress had several opportunities to act against those accused of involvement in the demolition but failed to do so.
Rashidi pointed out that the Congress was in power from 1992 to 1996 and again from 2004 to 2014. He questioned why the party had not taken action against those allegedly involved in the conspiracy or considered rebuilding the mosque during its years in government.
Referring to the judicial proceedings in the case, he also accused the Congress of failing to act against organisations and individuals he alleged were involved in the demolition. Rashidi further claimed that Muslims had borne the brunt of communal riots under successive Congress governments.
He said the party still had an opportunity to address what he described as its past failures, suggesting that it should commit to rebuilding the mosque and punishing those responsible.
The controversy follows Sonia Gandhi’s interview with The Guardian ahead of the release of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. She reportedly recalled crying after watching the Babri Masjid demolition on television. Her remarks have also attracted criticism from the BJP.
Santosh Dubey, a former karsevak, offered a sharply different account, blaming the Congress leadership, including former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao, for the events surrounding the demolition. He also questioned the party’s position on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue.
The contrasting reactions have added to the political debate over the Babri Masjid demolition and the Congress leadership’s historical role.
FOLLOW NOW
