This Article is From Apr 19, 2009

Lalu blames Congress for Babri demolition

Patna:

From rivals to those who were once friends, the Congress is battling on all sides. On Friday, Lalu Yadav appeared to be pulling no punches against the party.

"People who destroyed Babri Masjid are the Congress people as well as they couldn't save it. If they talk too much, I'll reveal everything," he said in a rally in Darbhanga.

But on Saturday, he mellowed a bit.

"Congress could not save Babri Masjid despite being in power at the Centre. The biggest culprit was Advani who is good friends with Nitish," Lalu said.

But it is clear that he is still smarting from the Congress' decision to go alone in Bihar -- something that may split the so-called secular vote and give an edge to his rival Nitish Kumar.

Lalu's outburst forced the Congress to give him some history lessons. And his comments will embarrass his new found ally Mulayam Singh Yadav who has tied up with Kalyan Singh, often seen as one of the faces of the Babri demolition.

"May be he has forgotten a few lessons in history -- being friends with Kalyan Singh and accusing us. We are a bit surprised," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

Lalu's comments have also given an opportunity to the rivals, who are eyeing the minority vote.

"Why was he sitting on Congress' lap for so long?" JD(U) leader and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said.

Anything is fair in love and elections. The Congress and Lalu are engaged in a war of words, but the Congress has said that both of them will come together once again after the elections.

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