New Delhi:
After the Liberhan report virtually gave a clean chit to the Narasimha Rao government, there are question on whether the Centre's hands were really tied or if it was a state of indecision at the top.
Madhav Godbole, Union Home Secretary when the Babri Masjid was demolished, has told NDTV that all preparations for President's rule in UP had been made, but the clearance never came.
Q: The Justice Liberhan Commission Report says Narishma rao was day dreaming, and he could not have done more. Is that the assessment you share? What could he have done?
A: I felt that the only way the structure could be saved, was to take it over and to impose President's rule. In fact, the Home Ministry had made all preparations for the purpose. For example, the law ministry was consulted and they had concurred with our proposal, and the cabinet note was ready on November 20.
The question was of getting clearance from the top, but unfortunately, it never came.
Q: The Commission argues that Narishma Rao could not have done nothing, because the UP governor had advised against President's rule.
A: If you look at the constitutional position, the governor's report was neither requierd nor was it binding on the government. The Government of India could have taken its own decisions in the matter.
Madhav Godbole, Union Home Secretary when the Babri Masjid was demolished, has told NDTV that all preparations for President's rule in UP had been made, but the clearance never came.
Q: The Justice Liberhan Commission Report says Narishma rao was day dreaming, and he could not have done more. Is that the assessment you share? What could he have done?
A: I felt that the only way the structure could be saved, was to take it over and to impose President's rule. In fact, the Home Ministry had made all preparations for the purpose. For example, the law ministry was consulted and they had concurred with our proposal, and the cabinet note was ready on November 20.
The question was of getting clearance from the top, but unfortunately, it never came.
Q: The Commission argues that Narishma Rao could not have done nothing, because the UP governor had advised against President's rule.
A: If you look at the constitutional position, the governor's report was neither requierd nor was it binding on the government. The Government of India could have taken its own decisions in the matter.
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