Babri Masjid Demolition: PM Narasimha Rao was ‘sleeping’, claims Salman Khurshid

New Delhi: Mr. Rajesh Pilot who was in charge Minister of Internal Security wanted to meet the then Prime Minister, Mr. PV Narasimha Rao to apprise him of the latest situation prevailing then in Ayodhya and also to exchange views to disperse the mob gathered there but his plans did not materialize since Mr. Rao is reported to be sleeping at that time.

This was disclosed in the recently published book, “Visible Muslim, Invisible Citizen: Understanding Islam in Indian Democracy” authored by senior Congress leader, Mr. Salman Khurshid. It may be mentioned that in 1992 after the demolition of Babri Masjid, communal riots had erupted.

In his book, Mr. Khurshid wrote that with the demolition of Babri Masjid a question mark was put on the supremacy of law.

Mr. Khurshid further mentioned that he had met Mr. Rajesh pilot and requested him to do something for dispersing the mob which had gathered around Babri masjid. Mr. Pilot had agreed that he would visit Faizabad. Mr. Pilot also suggested that it is better if some young ministers call on the PM to influence him. Mr. Khurshid then went to Dr. Jafar Shareef and requested him to meet the PM. Mr. Shareef met the PM who had advised him to meet Mr. A.N. Varma, Principal Secretary to PM or Home Secretary who was about to go to UP.

Mr. Varma had some reservations. He was doubtful whether his trip to Ayodhya would materialize or not. Mr. Khurshid again went to Mr. Shareef’s house. When Mr. Shareef made an attempt to contact PM, he was informed that ‘PM is sleeping’.

This book has been published by Rupa Publications, New Delhi.

[source_without_link]Siasat News[/source_without_link]