Babri Masjid Demolition Finds Mention in Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir; Recalls Breaking Down in Tears

way2barak, November 8: The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 has found a mention in Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir. Recalling the events, she writes that she was moved to tears while watching the scenes of the mosque being demolished on television.

Gandhi says that the incident made her realise that a long struggle would be necessary to protect the secular foundations of India, which Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and their associates had sought to build.

In her memoir, Sonia Gandhi writes: “During this period of change in northern India, the controversy surrounding the mosque in Ayodhya was growing increasingly intense. It was claimed that the structure had been built over the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple. This claim was gaining momentum among hardline Hindutva organisations, right-wing nationalist groups and political parties. Subsequently, in December 1992, supporters of the movement, including BJP leaders, demolished the mosque.”

She further recalls that watching the demolition unfold on television brought tears to her eyes and strengthened her resolve to fight for the preservation of India’s secular character.