Arch-political rivals Mayawati and Mulayam Singh played the Muslim card in a bid to reassure the minority community on Friday, a day after the judgment in the Babri Masjid title suits case.
In contrast, a circumspect Congress said no attempt should be made to gain political mileage from the Allahabad High Court verdict.
While the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister assured Muslims that they should not get unduly worried about their security and they were safe under the present regime, the Samajwadi Party chief said the “Muslims of the country were feeling cheated and were disappointed at the verdict.”
“The lives and property of Muslims would be safeguarded under the Bahujan Samaj Party government,” Ms. Mayawati told journalists at her official residence here. She praised the people, in particular of the State, for exercising restraint and maintaining the peace in the wake of the verdict.
Pointing out that there would be no relaxation of security measures until the U.P. Sunni Waqf Board and the Hindu Mahasabha filed their appeals or the verdict was stayed by the Supreme Court, Ms. Mayawati said stern action would be taken against mischief-makers.
As the High Court ordered status quo for three months at the disputed Ayodhya site, Ms. Mayawati asked the Centre to ensure that status quo ante was maintained. “The Centre would be responsible if a law and order problem is created at the disputed site,” she said.
