This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

'Vindicated': Advani, MM Joshi And Others React To Acquittal In Babri Demolition Case

Here's how those accused in the Babri demolition case reacted after their acquittal.

All the 32 accused in the Babri mosque demolition case, including senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti were on Wednesday acquitted by a special CBI court in Lucknow.

The accused also included Champat Rai, the general secretary of the trust in charge of constructing the Ram temple, Vinay Katiyar, Sadhvi Rithambara, and three sitting BJP MPs Lallu Singh, Brij Bhushan Saran Singh, and Sakshi Maharaj.

Here’s how they reacted to the acquittal:

LK Advani

“It is a very important decision and a matter of happiness for us. When we heard the news of the court’s order, we welcomed it by chanting Jai Shri Ram,” Advani said in a video message

Murli Manohar Joshi

“It’s a historic decision by the court. This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy. Everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir’s construction.”

Satish Pradhan

The former Shiv Sena MP, who was an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, said: “Truth has prevailed.”

Pradhan is now with the BJP.

“Truth always prevails. We have full faith in the judiciary,” he said.

The 80-year-old former mayor of Thane attending the hearing through video conference.

Sadhvi Rithambara

“All allegations were because of political rivalry. We don’t conspire but create mantras. The judgement is welcomed.”

Brij Bhushan Singh, BJP MP

“Everyone present in the court was relaxed, as all were expecting this outcome. The prosecution didn’t have evidence. This is a welcome judgement.”

Lallu Singh, BJP MP

“We were framed by the then authorities, that too three-four days after the incident. The court has said that it was not pre-planned. There were hundreds of volunteers who were angry and raged in Ayodhya that day. They had so much fire in them that they went ahead and pulled down the domes,” Singh told The Indian Express.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.