People's Democracy

Advani And Joshi Must Quit

 The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), while in session in Kolkata, issued the following statement on June 8, 2003.

THE statement made by five of the 49 accused in the criminal case concerning the demolition of the Babri Masjid has confirmed once again that both Mr Advani and Mr Joshi, along with Ms Uma Bharati and other leaders of the BJP and the VHP, were the main instigators that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992. The CPI(M) had last week, when the CBI filed a fresh supplementary chargesheet against Mr Advani and eight others, demanded that they immediately demit office. Even a remote consideration of political morality would warrant that these cabinet ministers must immediately resign. This is particularly so for Mr Advani who holds the home portfolio, a ministry which presides over these investigations.

The CPI(M) Central Committee demands once again that Mr Advani and Mr Joshi must quit immediately. Failing to do so will only confirm the fact that the RSS/BJP is utilising its control over the state apparatus to manipulate the case and protect the guilty.