Notwithstanding the carefully choreographed drafting of resignation letters by Advani and Joshi and their prompt rejection by the Prime Minister - the entire exercise evidently intended to deflect attention from the charges against the two ministers relating to the Babari Masjid demolition - there is little doubt that the opposition, for once, has put the government on the defensive. Although it is true, as Vajpayee has explained, that an accused cannot be deemed guilty unless the final verdict is delivered, there is an element of incongruity in such a person holding high office. The situation is even more odd in Advani's case because, as the Union Home Minister ... It is just as well, therefore, that he and Joshi offered to resign. But it would have been better if they had insisted on the Prime Minister's acceptance of their letters ... In any event, the controversy has provided an opportunity to both the government and the two ministers to explain where exactly they stand on this crucial issue. Unfortunately, even seven years after the tragic incident, their positions still remain unclear.

Vajpayee has been the only one among the BJP leaders who has unhesitatingly expressed regret for the tragic act. The stand of the others has been ambiguous, to say the least. They, including Advani, have given the impression that what they regretted was not the demolition of the "dilapidated structure" so much as the abrupt manner in which it was carried out, indicating a breakdown of discipline in the saffron camp ... Those at the lower levels, not to mention the people belonging to the party's fraternal organisations, have not always cared to hide their delight over what happened on December 6, 1992. What is worse, they have occasionally threatened to indulge in more such acts of desecration, notably in Varanasi and Mathura. It will not do, therefore, for the BJP leaders merely to make an offer which they do not intend to honour. Instead, there must be a clear articulation by them, leaving no scope for ambiguity, about the events of that fateful day and a promise that they will stoutly resist any such assault on other places of worship. It is not enough to say that that the shrines in Varanasi and Mathura are "not on the BJP's agenda." They must denounce even any threats against them ..