BJP's apology can be considered, if they reconstruct Babri: Khan

Uttar Pradesh minister is considered Muslim face of ruling Samajwadi Party

Days after BJP made overtures to Muslims, Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan said the community can think of extending support to the party if it vows to rebuild Babri mosque at the same venue, and apologise for Gujarat riots.

"If pardon is granted in heinous crime like demolition of Babri mosque just by uttering the word 'mafi', then Constitution, law, courts and police stations would become useless entities," Khan said yesterday.

He was addressing reporters at university campus here.

On February 25, BJP president Rajnath Singh had asked the community to give the party a chance and not go by "propaganda" spread by Congress.

"Please note that whenever, wherever if there has been any mistake and shortcoming on our part, I assure you that we will apologise to you by bowing our heads," Singh had said.

Khan, who is considered Muslim face of the ruling Samajwadi Party, said, "Let BJP supremo Rajnath Singh declare that his party is responsible for martyrdom of Babri mosque and own total responsibility for massacre of Muslims in Gujarat.

"Singh's proposal of an apology could be considered if he takes a vow to reconstruct the mosque at the same venue and personally visits it."

"We (Muslims) can think of extending our support for Singh's moves of remodelling a naya hindustan and thereby new definition of our relations with them (BJP) might come into existence," he said.

Khan also lashed out at Congress alleging "its leaders work for BJP while remaining in Congress. Take the case of veteran leader Jagdambika Pal who was born in Congress and now inclines to embrace BJP".