'Proud of Ayodhya movement, Sorry for demolition'

New Delhi, Nov 29: Leader of the Opposition L K Advani today apologised for the first time on the floor of the Lok Sabha for the demolition of a ''structure'' in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, but maintained that he was proud of having taken part in the Ramjanmabhoomi movement.

''I am very sorry for the demolition of the structure,'' Mr Advani said during zero hour after CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta sought to equate the BJP leader with JMM leader Shibu Soren who quit the cabinet yesterday after his conviction in a murder case.

Mr Advani also made it clear that he was not involved in the demolition.

''The devil should not quote from the scriptures...Mr Advani had held the exalted position of the Home Minister...He cannot claim immunity from criminalisation of politics'' as he was chargesheeted in the Babri Masjid demolition case, Mr Dasgupta said and wanted an explanation from the BJP leader.

In his reponse, Mr Advani said the same allegation was being levelled against him again and again and he had always ignored it, but would like to make his position clear now.

Mr Advani said he had expressed regret for the demolition long ago when he appeared before the Liberhan Commission set up to go into the issue.

He said there have been several movements in his life and sometimes some of these had become very strong. It was the normal practice of the police or the investigating authority to book the leaders of such movements.

UNI