Varanasi: Justifying the order by then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav to open fire on ‘kar sevaks’ in 1990, Samajwadi Party MP from Ballia Sanatan Pandey said that Yadav held a constitutional position and issued the order to “save the Constitution and prevent a civil war in the country”.Pandey’s remarks came at a time when SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is likely to visit Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Dec 12. The development triggered attacks from BJP, which challenged him to visit Ayodhya on Dec 6, the anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition, and seek an apology for the police firing on ‘kar sevaks’ under Mulayam govt.Addressing a news conference in Ballia on Monday, Pandey said, “Netaji’s (Mulayam’s) order was against those who acted against the Constitution. We are citizens of India and perform our duties after taking an oath to the Constitution. For every person living in India, the Constitution is supreme. ‘Netaji’ held a constitutional post and acted in accordance with the Constitution and the orders of the court.”“SP’s actions are guided by the Constitution, and principles of social equality and communal harmony. The BJP, RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal ignored the Constitution and court orders,” he said.Referring to incidents involving Hindus and temples in Bangladesh, Pandey said the central govt did not show sensitivity towards the victims there but indulges in politics in India in the name of Hindus and Muslims.On Akhilesh Yadav’s proposed visit to Ayodhya on Dec 12 for Ram temple ‘darshan’, Pandey said he had no official information in this regard, but whenever Akhilesh Yadav wishes, he will go for ‘darshan’.“How can the BJP decide about someone’s faith? Those who collected donations in the name of Ram temple and committed irregularities should apologise to the public,” he said.On BJP’s claim of winning 80% of seats in 2027, he said Yogi Adityanath would not be the CM next time.“SP workers, poor and innocent people have suffered injustice. When the SP forms govt, these matters will be considered. The SP would continue to work for the Constitution, social justice and the unity of the country till its last breath,” Pandey said.
