New Delhi, Sept 20: Congress today demanded that CBI file an appeal against the order of the special court in the Babri Masjid demolition case discharging Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani while the Samajwadi Party said it may consider taking such a step after consulting its allies in UP. "The discharge of Advani is a clear and massive example of sabotage by CBI as the prosecuting agency conspired to get the prime conspirator liberated in the case,” Congress spokesman Jaipal Reddy told reporters here.

SP general secretary Amar Singh said in Kolkata that his party would do whatever is necessary in this direction after consulting its coalition partners in Uttar Pradesh.

Veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu wondered how the Deputy Prime Minister could be discharged of the charges when he was present during the demolition.
Echoing similar views, Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh said, "I am surprised at the court's decision favouring Advani when he had taken an active part in the movement while framing charges against second rung leaders”.

Terming it as "legally incomprehensible", All India Majlis-e-Mushawarat demanded that the state assisted by the CBI should seek a review of Advani's exoneration before a trial.

It, however, welcomed the special court's order to frame charges against HRD Minister M M Joshi and others.

Bureau Report