NEW DELHI: A Group of Muslim ‘youth last week hooted and ridiculed Union Home Minister S.B. Chavan at a function while he was trying to defend the Union Government’s role ‘on the Babri mosque demolition.

 Mr. Chavan was delivering the in augur al address at a symposium on Minorities Problems and Solutions,’ organized by the All India Minorities Front (AIMF).

‘He was taken aback when the youth confronted him during his speech. ‘Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Pany (BJP) for “betraying” the Constitution, the Home Minister said “Those celebrating the demolition of the mosque should be ashamed of their act.” He lauded the role of AIMF, a ‘pro-Congress organization, in high lighting the issues afflicting the minorities, and reiterated the Center’s ‘commitment to the minorities’ welfare. However, at the end of his speech, he digressed and spoke on the Babri mosque’s demolition trying to defend the Narsimha Rao Government.

“There is an unfounded belief in a section of the Muslims that the Center was involved in the demolition,” Mr. Chavan said, recounting the events leading to the mosque’s demolition, to clarify the Government’s stand.

But his clarification sparked off an instant and hostile reaction from some youth who had come from the Faizabad area. One of them, when allowed by Mr. Chavan to ask a question, embarrassed him by questioning his role in the episode.

“You sat idle even when Mr. Rajesh Pilot had announced about BJP’s design to demolish the mosque two days earlier,” the agitated youth shouted.

A visibly irritated Mr. Chavan denied the allegation, and said, “Once his (Mr. Pilot’s) portfolio is changed, he can say anything.”

“Had he (Mr. Pilot) known it earlier, he would have informed the Prime Minister and requested him to take action,” the Minister added.

He then walked out in a huff, while the youth’s group shouted “What about allowing the Muslims to offer prayers at Ayodhya?”

The verbal duel briefly generated heat in the hall before the organizers could manage to pacify the youth.

Minister for Rural Development and Employment Jagannath Mishra, present on the occasion, watched the drama.

When his turn came, Mr, Mishra read out a prepared statement praising the forum for focusing on the economic and social issues of the Muslims.

He, however, avoided the contentious areas, confining himself to highlighting the welfare programs initiated by his Ministry for the minorities, particularly the Muslims.

President of AIMF SM Asif showered praises on the Rao Government and decried those Muslim leaders who ‘were using religion for their political goals.

Article extracted from this publication >> December 15, 1995